SENITE
Senite is a first-generation Eritrean-American singer and songwriter who’s been a student of the game for most of her life. After picking up guitar and piano lessons as a child, she eventually moved on to attending The People’s Music School where she studied voice for 14 years. After spending some time in a small music collective called Semi, she began to release her music independently towards the end of her high school career. She says that one of the songs from her 2020 debut EP, “The Guest Room”, achieved Tiktok virality which helped to catapult her career.
She appreciates TGF for respecting art and creativity, and for putting together such large platforms for upcoming artists in Chicago. Visiting Navy Pier wasn’t something she got to do much as a kid, so to be performing there now “feels so good” she says. She shared that live performance is such a special experience for her because of the ways in which audience members are able to connect with her in those moments.
“[Live performance] shows more than the art,” she says. “ I prefer when people watch me live because they get to connect with me not only as a person, but also as a creator.”
In the past, she says research has been essential to her putting on a good show. “Understanding my audience and knowing what they respect and what they appreciate,” has been key to her crafting memorable experiences, she shares. “You can be your own DJ, your own guitarist, rapping by yourself and make that memorable. Or you can have a full band. It’s how you present it.”
WRITTEN ARTCLE PREPARED BY - Tyra Nicole Triche