Music back to Brazil after 20 years, Sean Paul talks about plans for the future and the impact of Dancehall [ENTREVISTA]

Born in Kingston, in Jamaica, Sean Paul It is one of the main names of Dancehall In the world. With a career that began in the 1990s, he released his debut album, Stage Onein 2000, but it was with Dutty Rock (2002) that reached international fame, squeezing hits as Gimme the light and Get Busy. Since then, the artist has released several successful albums, including The Trinity (2005), Imperial Blaze (2009) and Scorcha (2022).

Known for collaborations with big names in music, as Beyoncé, Sia, J Balvin, Anitta and LudmillaSean Paul mixes his Jamaican roots with influences from pop, reggaeton and hip hop, without losing the essence of Dancehall.

After 20 years away from Brazilian stagesSean Paul returns to Brazil for a presentation in the Carnaauol 2025in São Paulo.

In an exclusive interview with Rolling Stone Brazilthe artist talked about the importance of Dancehall on global music, his collaborations with other artists, and the impact of Jamaican culture on different musical genres. Sean Paul also commented on his career, the balance between the career of singer and producer, and what the public can expect from his return to the country.

Check out the full interview below:

Rolling Stone (Aline Carlin Cordaro): You were in Brazil for 20 years (in 2005) to a show in Sao Paulo, and now returns as an attraction of Carnaauol 2025. What motivated you to return to the country after so long? How do you feel about revisiting this audience?

Sean Paul: I always had a lot of love for Brazil and my experience was amazing. So, I’m kind of disappointed that I haven’t come back so long, but I’m really looking forward to this presentation. And to be honest, I wanted it to be more than that. Then a save to the promoters, a save to everyone who will see me. It will be an amazing moment, full of energy, full of vibration. I can’t wait to see everyone.

RS: For Carnaauol 2025, what can we expect from its setlist and the show?

Sean Paul: As I said, there will be a lot of energy, a lot of vibe, and I’ve been on this road for a long time. So, I think every year I get a little better. The last time I was there, I had a lot of fun with the audience that attended. Now, I’m curious to see if they have followed my trajectory here. I will give all of myself at the show. It will have energy, there will be vibe, and we will keep the pace to see if the public can follow. I think they will enjoy the show a lot, we have prepared something amazing. I’m looking forward to it.

RS: His most recent album, Scorcha, was released in 2022 and had collaborations with artists such as Sia, Gwen Stefani and Ty Dolla $ IGN. For you, what is the challenge of balancing the authentic Jamaican sound with these global influences without misrepresenting your roots?

Sean Paul: You know, this is a good question. This is something that Dancehall artists have had to do over the years, especially since, you know, our root music, or the music that was really famous from Jamaica, is reggae.

Although Dancehall is a branch of reggae and incorporates a lot of what reggae does, it is difficult for people to put us in a box. The sound is different. But if you pay attention, we influence many people in the way they do music today, from the pop world to hip hop and Afrobeat. There are a lot of people to imitate what we have done before. And this kind of proves that we are a big genre or a strong sound in the world, you know?

So it has been that: trying to mix the sounds with what was popular at the time, but also to insert my music and what the Dancehall culture represents. And I think this has proven over the years.

So, I’m very proud of the music. Yes, it has been a difficult balance to be touring around the world and returning home in Jamaica and keeping me up to date with what people are listening to. But that requires dedication and love what you do. And it’s been an amazing journey. I thank everyone who is my fans and especially fans of the music, the genre. This did a lot for my life. So thanks to everyone who are big fans

RS: In recent years, Latin music has gained a huge world projection, especially with Reggaeton dominating the stops. You have worked with artists like J Balvin and DJ Snake. How do you see this rise of reggaeton and its relationship with Dancehall? Is there an exchange between these genres, or do you feel that Dancehall, as a genre, does not receive the same level of recognition yet?

Sean Paul: You know, Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world, I think. So it was inevitable that if the music was popular, it would happen. The relationship is that the sounds are very similar, and reggaeton comes more from the Caribbean part of the Latin world. For us, it’s like a sister of our music.

For me, the reggae is the father. Hip hop is a brother. Another brother would be reggaeton or these Afrobeat vibrations. All these styles kind of mix these sounds, which, for me, is amazing. We have always been able to collaborate with artists from Reggaeton. I worked with Daddy YankeeI made songs with Calderón Tegowhat are the OGs, you know? Ivy Queen also.

And the vibe for me is this, you know? As I said, they are sister or cousins. For me, it is a great feeling to see that what we did has won the world in another language, but with the same song, you know? So a save to everyone who loves reggaeton. The vibe continues. This is what we are doing

RS: After so many years releasing hits and dominating the tracks, which still motivates you? Do you feel you have something else you want to conquer in music or think about exploring new paths in the future?

Sean Paul: Yes, I still love music, I love to do that. I keep releasing songs, but now I’m also a producer, and that takes much more of my time. I am setting up an album, but also working on projects for many other artists. Dutty Rock It’s my seal, and we have artists like Chi Ching Ching. Close work with Busy Signalwith Charly Blackand we produce singles for the Buju Banton.

It is an extra stress that I like, because I love to produce, but it is much more laborious than just being an artist. These two things are important to me, so I’m also trying to find this balance, you know? I’m trying to surf these waves of different positions and tasks you need to take as a producer or artist.

It is literally a different role. As an artist, you can think more selfishly, like: I want to say that to the world. But as a producer, the goal is to take the best of that artist. It’s about having more patience. Instead of trying to master music and composition to turn yours, you want to extract the best of that person.

And as I said, it requires patience, understanding and guidance to help them be the best they can be. It is a delicate balance. But these are the things I still want to achieve. I want to keep doing music, either by producing, being the artist or touring while you can. So a save for all the fans who are waiting to see me around, because I’m coming!

RS: If you could send a message to the Brazilian fans who waited 20 years for this moment, what would you say?

Sean Paul: That’s it, Man. I want to tell everyone who goes to the show: it’s been a long time, huh! I hope you will come with a lot of energy. I hope you will wait for many hits and also some new songs. Let’s dance and jump on stage, and we love it when the audience enters this vibe too. So get ready for an amazing moment.

And a save for everyone in Brazil. Even though I haven’t come so long, it is one of the places in the world where I feel at home, very comfortable. A special save for women. Total respect. Much love and affection!

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