Sheldon Senior CANCER FREE and in pursuit of REGGAE STARDOM
NOW CANCER free and fully devoted to his career, Sheldon Senior has landed the cover of one of the world’s most reputable reggae magazines: IRIEMAG. In a ninepage spread, the aspiring reggae artiste recalls his odyssey from Mandeville, Manchester, to the United Kingdom and back; the balance between teaching and recording music; and his battle with lung cancer.
Based in California, IRIEMAG covers the happenings in the reggae industry. Reggae artistes like Iba Mahr, Protoje, Jah9, and Kabaka Pyramid have been featured in the publication along with other musicians, engineers, and music industry professionals. “I feel blessed and honoured. I have worked hard for years, and it’s truly rewarding to see a magazine such as this take the time to introduce my work,” Senior told The Gleaner.
Senior migrated to the UK in 2002 to concentrate on building his music career. When not moonlighting as a reggae artiste, Senior earned his keep as an educator. “I lecture in mathematics, but music is my passion. That is what I will use to propel my message,” Senior told The Gleaner.
FIVE-YEAR HIATUS
In 2010, he was diagnosed with lung cancer, and as a result, the singer went on a five-year hiatus to, as he puts it, “attain a higher level of awakening”.
He has powered through a number of restorative surgeries, and is now cancer free, and loving it. “Positivity is the most powerful thing you can have in your life. I’ve found that it’s taken me through different experiences besides my cancer. It has transformed me from the core,” he affirmed.
Five years post-diagnosis, Senior has overcome the worst, and has released a four-track EP called Breakthrough.
With his positive prognosis in tow, the aspiring reggae star continues to consciously inject positivity into his life, which he claims ultimately has an impact on his feelings for the world, the message he preaches, and his refreshed goals.
Currently in Jamaica, and healthy, Senior is now putting his all into his music career. “We intend to live long. We’re creating music for a lifetime, not for two months,” he said.
Senior is currently promoting his latest single, Hungry Days. Additionally, the reggae singer is set for Rebel Salute in the new year and also has a number of shows during next year’s February Reggae Month celebrations.