Meet Fenesse Henry

Today we’d like to introduce you to Fenesse Henry.

Hi Fenesse, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory. 
I have always loved music. When I was young, I would perform for my sister, hoping she’d approve – which she always did, making her my personal hype man. My childhood was turbulent, involving frequent moves and exposure to drug abuse and violence. In search of an escape, I turned to poetry, first introduced to me in the sixth grade by my English teacher. It became a personal hobby. 

While putting myself through college, my musical taste expanded significantly due to my diverse teammates in soccer; their backgrounds, stemming from all over the world, showed my new sounds. My Jamaican background helped bridge the gap between cultures. In 2020, just before graduation, I decided to take the leap and begin putting out my music. 

Influenced by Rap, Reggae, Afrobeats, and Grime, I began developing my own sound. I went to LA and recorded my first single that year at WAX Studios, followed by my first underground show in Columbus shortly after. My sound continued to evolve when I moved to Detroit at the end of 2020. I performed at open mics around Detroit throughout the following year. My sound differed from my peers since Afrobeats hadn’t broken into the mainstream in the states yet, but I was still embraced in the scene. 

I found inspiration in the art scene of Detroit, from fashion to poetry and everything in between, bringing me to where I am today. Currently, I am working on securing festivals for next summer and continuing to grow my fan base locally and internationally. My sound is still evolving, evident in my latest single, ‘Somebody,’ which has become my fastest-streaming song since its release. My goal is for my music to be respected and admired, and although it’s not the end-all-be-all, I also aspire to win a Grammy. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My biggest struggle in the beginning was sharing the music. You don’t know where to turn with marketing. There’s no playbook on how friends and other peers will start to look and move around you differently. I think for every artist the learning process of your friends are not your fans is always hard. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am rapper songwriter. I’ve cowritten tracks and would love to contribute to more artists, even as a ghostwriter. Writing would be my specialty. I’m proud to be mentioned in the Afrobeats conversation that’s spreading in Detroit. What sets me apart if my versatility. From Rap, Garage, RnB, Reggaeton, and Afrobeat/ Afrofushion. I have no fear trying my sound in different pockets. I love to experiment. 

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
For those just starting, I would say, Believe in yourself. Your purpose and vision was there before your first fan. Stand on anything you make, and never let anyone box you in. As an artist, you are like water. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/Fenesse
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fenesserrr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@fenesserrr?si=XX8alNhwQKxtn2ME

Image Credits
Brittany Trinity photography