Though Jamaica is known as a tropical retreat, it’s also a country of contrasts, where the island’s serene beaches and lush Blue Mountains coexist with bustling urban streets. Kingston, the island’s capital, is buzzing with energy and offers travellers new hotels, swanky lounges and museums dedicated to Jamaica’s art and culture.
We spoke to Shenseea, the Kingston-born international pop artist who broke out in 2017 with the cheeky viral dancehall hit Loodi, to get her advice on how to experience the city where she grew up and the scenic countryside beyond.Â
“I was born in Kingston, but I also love being in nature, surrounded by greenery,” she says. “My grandparents had acres of land in St Elizabeth, where they used to farm and raise cattle. It wasn’t noisy like the city, and I sometimes miss the farming and the smell of the country.”
Though the singer spends several months of the year touring around the world, she goes back to her hometown as often as six or seven times a year. “It’s important to reconnect with your roots,” the Grammy-nominated artist says. “Kingston is my home. It’s where I grew up, and it’s just where my heart is. Nothing can compare to the nonstop energy of Kingston.”
Jamaica’s tropical weather makes it an ideal place to spend the last months of the year. In autumn and winter, the island’s rainy season has tapered off, leaving blue skies and temperatures that hover around 25C.
“If you come to Kingston, book an Airbnb or hotel and enjoy the parties and events throughout the week,” Shenseea suggests. “You can explore the city and get a feel for the local life.”
Here are some of Shenseea’s favourite ways to explore Jamaica.
