Jordan Finkle
Image credit: Courtney Estick
In today’s music industry, artistry often takes a backseat to algorithms. As platforms prioritize trend-driven content and fleeting virality, musicians face an increasingly narrow path to recognition—one defined more by optimizing for clicks and streams than by genuine creative exploration. The industry’s fixation on fast-paced, shareable content leaves little room for artists who seek to develop a distinct voice or experiment with sound. For those who aim to build a legacy beyond the latest trend, success demands resilience, strategy, and the resolve to push back against an ecosystem that all too often values views over vision.
Ayana Sheree, however, stands as a refreshing exception. Hailing from East Flatbush, New York, and deeply rooted in her Jamaican and Haitian background. Also known as “Ms. Unruly,” her sound is a fusion of dancehall, reggae, R&B, and pop—a testament to honoring her heritage and exploring her burgeoning artistry. Her story follows the arc of a hero’s journey, from her early trials and personal transformations to her determined quest to bring dancehall into the mainstream. Ayana’s story and music not only make her a rising artist worth listening to, but one worth rooting for.
The Call to Music: Early Influences and First Steps
Ayana Sheree’s journey into music began as organically as possible, in a home filled with song. Her parents’ love for music infused her childhood with rhythms, and Ayana quickly took to expressing herself through sound, even before she could fully articulate her feelings with words. A makeshift drum set of kitchen pots and pans became her first instrument until her father gifted her a mini drum kit, recognizing his daughter’s early affinity for music.
Her formative years were marked by rich, diverse influences as she navigated life between a Jamaican Rasta congregation and a Christian Haitian church. Here, music was both a unifying force and a tool of self-expression, shaping Ayana’s identity long before she would fully realize its significance. However, like many heroes, she first grappled with hesitation and doubt. Too shy to sing, she began instead with instruments, slowly finding the courage to explore her voice, knowing that music would someday be her ultimate form of expression.
Crossroads and Trials: Forging Her Path
As Ayana’s love for music grew, so did the challenges. Encouraged by family and friends to choose a practical career, she enrolled in the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), studying fashion business. Yet, as with many heroes, she soon faced the realization that the conventional path was not her true calling. The weight of academic pressure, combined with the hardships of homelessness, became a defining trial that tested her resolve. She could have chosen to abandon her dream, but instead, she found the courage to withdraw from college and devote herself to music.
Her entry into the music world was equally arduous. Lacking traditional resources, she baked goods to sell on the streets, raising $500 to fund her first single. This unorthodox start marked the beginning of her journey into the industry—one she would undertake without the safety nets afforded to most. Each decision, each dollar spent, was another act of dedication, a demonstration of her willingness to fight for her place in music. These choices marked Ayana’s first true trials as an artist and prepared her for the larger battles to come.
Image credit: Courtney Estick
The Moment of Transformation: Discovering Her Sound
In every hero’s journey, there comes a moment of transformation—a shift from being shaped by one’s environment to choosing one’s own path. Initially, she experimented with popular beats, hoping to gain visibility by aligning with current trends. Yet, over time, she realized that her sound needed to stay true to her roots, blending her Caribbean heritage with the genres she loved. This shift culminated in her first EP, Visible, a project that married dancehall, reggae, and R&B with an unmistakable pop sensibility. The title, Visible, symbolized her emergence, not just in the music world but as an individual claiming her space.
In pursuit of this vision, Ayana made a journey to Jamaica, where she filmed the video for her single “Flex”. Immersed in the vibrant culture of Kingston, she strengthened her connection to her heritage and returned with a renewed commitment to her unique sound. This moment marked Ayana’s transformation from an emerging artist to a dedicated musician with a clear sense of purpose, a turning point in her personal hero’s journey
Setbacks and Challenges: Personal and Industry Obstacles
Yet, like every hero, Ayana faced setbacks. Her father’s battle with cancer weighed heavily on her, both financially and emotionally, as she split her time between pursuing her career and supporting her family. In the industry, she encountered the harsh reality of being an independent artist, dealing with unreliable collaborators and the financial strain of self-funded projects. These obstacles tested her resilience, forcing her to navigate an industry often defined by quick fame and the “microwave” culture of rapid success and decline.
Unlike many, however, Ayana is resolved to reject the path of fleeting fame, choosing a self-described “slow-bake” approach instead. Determined to resist the prevailing model, Ayana decided long ago that her artistry would not be dictated by trends, choosing to prioritize longevity and creative integrity over superficial popularity.
Image credit: Courtney Estick
The Release of Undivided Attention
Ayana’s sophomore EP, Undivided Attention, symbolizes an ascent in her journey. Her goal with Undivided Attention was clear: create an album that avoids a “one-note” feel, instead giving listeners an array of vibes to explore. The structure of the album was thoughtfully designed, with Ayana intentionally varying tempos and moods to keep each track fresh and distinctive, oscillating from more traditional dancehall to soulful R&B to sensual pop. Yet, within this diversity, there’s a cohesion that ties the album together—a musical journey that flows while also allowing each song to stand on its own merit. In Undivided Attention, Ayana finds a balance between expressing her authentic Caribbean roots and her versatile sonic interests.
“Tik It,” with its slow-burn rhythm and innuendo-laden lyrics, is a masterful ode to Caribbean music’s seductive power. The beat pulses with an energy that’s as catchy as it is subtle, playing on the onomatopoeic “tik it” in a way that feels both intimate and bold. Originally envisioned as a full music video, the track’s visual representation faced setbacks, ultimately resulting in a captivating visualizer video that hints at a future, fully realized production. “Work,” is also giving Caribbean and dancehall vibes through and through. These songs act as pillars of the album, showcasing Ayana’s musical foundations while offering something new for today’s listeners.
In “Desire,” Ayana takes a chance that pays off, dipping into pop with a beat that inspired her to explore slightly more risqué themes in an elevated vocal range. It’s the kind of song that captures Ayana’s artistry at its most daring, showcasing her willingness to experiment with different sounds and stretch her boundaries. This experimentation continues with “Good Good,” which taps into the nostalgic feel of the ’70s and ’80s R&B, bringing soulful drums and a warm, layered production that complements her vocal dynamism.
With “Flatbush Gyal,” Ayana pays homage to her hood, East Flatbush. The track uses the iconic refrain, “What you waiting for, put your back in it, just a little more…” from Denise Belfon and Masters at Work’s “Work.” It’s a celebration of the people, rhythms, and memories that continue to influence her from the sounds of the Caribbean to the women of Little Caribbean in Brooklyn
In addition to refining her sound, for this album, Ayana refined her approach by aiming for releasing quality singles carefully and methodically, over quick quantity. Her goal is not merely to generate buzz but to build a meaningful connection with her audience by giving them a holistic experience they can return to over time.
Image credit: Courtney Estick
Bringing Dancehall Back and Future Aspirations
Ayana’s commitment to bringing dancehall into the mainstream reflects her sense of responsibility to her heritage and sense of legacy. Despite the genre’s historical popularity, dancehall has yet to receive the same recognition and support that Afrobeats now enjoys like the new Grammy category created in 2023. Ayana believes that her unique blend of reggae, dancehall, R&B, and pop provides a gateway for new listeners, offering an accessible introduction to the richness of Caribbean music while pushing it into a new era. Her sound is designed to resonate with both loyal fans of the genre and new listeners, helping dancehall reach new people without compromising its authenticity.
Outside of music, Ayana has plans to give back. After she is established she wants to create her own record label, dedicated to nurturing true artists who value music as deeply as she does. She also plans to support and give back to her communities in East Flatbush, Jamaica, and Haiti through food drives, school drives, and more. As an advocate for animals, she also hopes to contribute to various animal welfare causes she holds close to her heart.
Conclusion: An Artist to Watch
Ayana Sheree’s story embodies the spirit of a hero’s journey, having faced trials, made sacrifices, and emerged transformed. In a time when trends often eclipse talent, Ayana stands as a reminder of what it means to pursue art with integrity, resilience, and heart.
As seeing (and hearing in this case) is believing, listen to her latest EP “Undivided Attention” on Spotify and Apple Music as well as follow her on Instagram and YouTube as she redefines what it means to be a true, authentic artist in the modern era.