Shaneka
Can you introduce yourself to our audience
My name is Shaneka, artistically known as Bahama Mama. I was born and raised in The Bahamas and later moved to The Netherlands in the early 2000s. For many years, I expressed my creativity as an entrepreneur in the fashion and beauty world. However, since moving to Ibiza almost three years ago, I’ve transitioned into music — something that may have always been my first love.
I grew up in a home alive with rhythm and melody. My parents were both charismatic and creative; from them, I inherited perseverance, humor, and bravery. My mother, in particular, was a storyteller — she wrote poems and songs, sang beautifully, and played both the guitar and piano.
I’ve come to realize that I’m an extension of her creative spirit, now expressing it through electronic music, which I first explored nearly two decades ago. After experimenting with production back then, I recently felt called to return to it — one of the most fulfilling decisions of my life.
In September 2024, I purchased my first DJ system and began taking lessons both online and privately in Ibiza. As a gesture of gratitude for what my mother passed down to me creatively — and as a tribute to my roots — Bahama Mama was born.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music, specifically in electronic genres?
Music has always been the thread running through my life — it’s how I connect to emotion, memory, and spirit. Growing up surrounded by drums, gospel harmonies, and island rhythms taught me that sound carries spirit; it heals, unites, and transcends. It brings people together in ways nothing else can.
For me, pursuing music isn’t just about following a career path — it feels like answering a calling. Electronic music gives me the freedom to explore a limitless world of instruments and sounds, allowing me to experiment and express myself without boundaries. It’s like painting with sound.
How would you describe your style and sound?
(What sets you apart as an artist?)
My sound is a translation of everything that makes me who I am. It’s rooted in emotion, culture, and intuition — a reflection of my island heritage and the stories, energies, and rhythms that have shaped me.
I often merge different genres and influences to create my own organic sound, weaving pulse, texture, and movement in a way that feels both fluid and alive.
I like to think of my style as deep, earthy, and grounded in ancestral rhythm — blending tribal drums, soulful melodies, and hypnotic textures that remind me of home: the heartbeat of Junkanoo, the ocean’s pulse, and the sacredness of dance.
Though I’m still new to the scene, my sound continues to evolve. At its core, it’s about connection and feeling — not just music to move to, but music to feel.
ABOUT YOUR RELEASE
Tell us about your latest release.
“Love on Repeat” is the first Afro House track I produced, and also my first release with a label — which makes it incredibly special. It represents the beginning of a new chapter.
The track embodies the timeless rhythm of love that keeps circling back — familiar, yet new every time. It’s anchored by a deep, humming bassline, guided by layered percussions, and uplifted by a lively synth that blends into a sound that feels both sensual and spiritual.
The vocals in “Love on Repeat” add a soulful and engaging energy — even without understanding every word, you can feel the emotion.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind this project?
The creative process for “Love on Repeat” was very intuitive. I didn’t start with a strict plan — it began with a feeling and the belief that less is more.
I built the foundation with percussion — drums always set the heartbeat for me. From there, I layered gentle textures and a synth that gave the track height and space. The vocals were the final element — pure, hypnotic, and the missing piece that completed the song.
In many ways, the track created itself. I simply followed where the sound wanted to go.
How does this release differ from your previous work?
“Love on Repeat” is one of my first releases, representing the foundation of my sound — minimal and groove-driven.
My upcoming work feels more organic and layered; I’ve started playing my own melodies and developing a more expressive version of my sound. I’m finding my flow as both a producer and storyteller.
INDUSTRY AND PERSONAL INSIGHTS
What do you think is the biggest challenge for artists in the electronic music industry today?
One of the biggest challenges today is standing out while staying true to yourself. With so much music released daily and algorithms influencing what people hear, many artists feel pressured to chase trends instead of creating from an authentic place.
The challenge isn’t just being heard, it’s being felt. Building a sound and identity that stands out — while maintaining authenticity — is where the real work lies.
What role do events, collaborations, or labels play in shaping your career?
(Please mention your collaboration with Cafe De Anatolia)
Collaborations and labels play an essential role, especially at this early stage of my journey. Events connect me directly with people — allowing me to share energy and emotion in real time.
Working with Cafe De Anatolia is a defining moment in my artistic path. I feel truly seen and supported in a space that aligns with my sound — warm, expressive, and emotionally rich. Releasing “Love on Repeat” with them connects me with a global audience and a community that celebrates meaningful, high-quality music.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists looking to break into the scene?
Stay true to your sound and your story. Your inner rhythm will guide you — if you let it. Don’t rush the process or compare your journey to anyone else’s; everyone’s timing is different.
Create from a place of honesty, and your music will always find the right ears.
LOOKING AHEAD
What can your fans expect next?
There’s much more music on the way. I’m currently finishing several new tracks that explore a more organic and melodic side of my sound. Each piece feels like the unveiling of another layer of who I am — more expressive, textured, and personal.
I can’t wait to share these new releases soon and let listeners experience the evolution of my sound.
Alongside that, I’ll continue performing at events in Ibiza and Amsterdam.
Where can our audience connect with you online?
You can find me on social media and streaming platforms as Bahama Mama, where I share my latest releases, mixes, and creative updates:
“LOVE ON REPEAT” by Bahama Mama (released via Cafe De Anatolia REC. on 23.10.2023