Meet Me In My Dreams – Shenie Fogo

I recently had my year wrapped up by Spotify. I have no love for the streaming platform; I was still interested to see which songs I’d been enraptured by in 2021. Naturally, soulful music from Scandinavia formed the majority (allegedly, I listen to more music than 67% of users); it was still exciting to see who, and which track, was in my top 5.

But it was no surprise for me to see the name ‘Shenie Fogo’ residing there.

The Swedish/Jamaican singer/songwriter/model single Explain has had me a prisoner since I first played it. I still have no plans to escape. This moody lo-fi single, electrified by a guitar solo and her hushed soul vocal, is a sensual pleasure bath for ears.

Explain features on Meet Me In My Dreams, Shenie Fogos’ debut album. I could use Explain, To the Sky or the impeccable Fading as perfect recommendations of her sound signature – deliciously dark, immersive R&B. The singers’ serene tone excels in the lovelorn single Midnight, featuring a flawless cameo by American rapper MadeinTyo.

With or without explicit content, I see Shenie Fogo as Sade’s naughty sister.

Shenie Fogos’ music lives in late-night shadows – not dimly-lit alleyways but red-hued bedrooms. Yet, she somehow, perhaps deliberately, avoids writing these songs with overtly sexualised textualisation. For example, it is no stretch of the imagination to draw sexual connotations to her echoing calls of ‘Tell me how it feels‘ on the utterly seductive Blue Hour. Instead, the lyrics brood on a love that’s not received. It’s a theme that still matches the beats moody atmosphere, but perhaps a little more risque, à la Prince – Darling Nikki, would have spiced things up a tad. Regardless, with or without explicit content, I see Shenie Fogo as Sade’s naughty sister.

The consequences of a broken relationship see the EP draw to a close with Empty Apartment, which will surely resonate with those unfortunate enough to recognise the stories experience.

There’s no happy hour in Shenie Fogo dreams. No explosion of euphoric happiness. No sunshine colours. Nevertheless, her dark style of themes and beats create exceptionally absorbing modern R&B.

Don’t let this album slip under the radar. It contains several R&B gems to absorb. The ideal setting for her sound is up to your imagination.