Stream Queen

Last year, Shekhinah was the most streamed female artist on Spotify in South Africa, and she scooped a triple whammy with Album of the Year, Female Artist of the Year and Best Newcomer of the Year at the SAMAs. Following her debut album Rose Gold, which went platinum late last year, she has new music in the works, and her first tour is scheduled for August this year. COSMO editor Holly Meadows sat down with the Suited singer to talk about being adopted, opening for Ed Sheeran, and her journey from Idols to superstardom.

- Holly Meadows

Holly: What does your name mean?

Shekhinah: It’s a Hebrew name and it means the ‘feminine face of God’. My mom is a theologist and a priest, and we grew up in the church, so ya, it’s a biblical name. I love it.

H: How did your multicultural upbringing influence your music?

S: I was born in Durban and was adopted by the Donnell family two weeks after I was born. Then we moved to Pietermaritzburg. I have four siblings [her sister, sister-in-law and father are part of her management team]. Growing up was really cool as I have a very diverse family. My parents are white, but they had many friends from different cultures. My mom and dad split when I was in Grade 5. My mom got married to a woman in America, and my dad married a Hindu woman. So multiculturalism influences my music – there are different races and sexual identities everywhere I go.

I love Pink, Madonna, Diana Ross… I’m influenced by everyone.

H: What is your earliest memory of singing?

S: My mom worked in a church, and when I was five I wanted to sing in the choir. My mom explained to me that it was for big people and I didn’t understand what that meant – I was very annoyed because I felt like I could sing! That was my earliest memory of music as well, as I remember my mom singing Can’t Take My Eyes Off You to me. I’ve always been in love with music.

H: Tell me about the transition from Idols contestant to music artist.