SHiiKANE, often lauded as “Africa’s #1 Girl Group,” is stepping into a new chapter of their musical journey with the release of their highly anticipated debut album, Sixty Diamond Seconds. This dynamic Afro-Pop trio, composed of sisters HRH Shay, Princess Annamay, and Baby-Kay, has consistently been at the forefront of Contemporary African Music. Now, with this album, they aim to further cement their legacy by offering fans a deeper, more personal exploration of life, love, and growth through their signature harmonies and a diverse array of musical influences.
Speaking on the inspiration behind the album, the sisters explain that Sixty Diamond Seconds is intended to be a journey through time—a reflection on the preciousness of every moment. “We wanted Sixty Diamond Seconds to take people through a journey illustrating the importance of time and that every moment in your life is precious and you have to live it wisely, without holding back,” they share.
The album is a culmination of the group’s experiences, featuring 16 tracks that seamlessly blend R&B, Afrobeats, and Amapiano. Standout songs like the soulful “Casanova” and the heartfelt ballad “Toxic” showcase SHiiKANE’s ability to marry diverse sounds with deeply personal lyrics. The sisters credit their unique bond for their creative synergy, though they admit that working together isn’t always easy. “Writing together can come with challenges, but we live by the motto ‘majority rules,’ which saves a lot of arguments in most cases. We try to draw from our own experiences to fuel our songs,” they reveal.
Since their inception, SHiiKANE has evolved both as a group and as individuals. They’ve learned to trust their instincts and remain true to their vision, despite external pressures. “As a group, we’ve learned to trust our instincts more, believe in our talent, and not allow outside influence to affect us. As long as it feels right for all of us, we will do it,” they affirm. However, even with their confidence, the sisters still feel a sense of anxiety whenever they release new music. “Yes, no matter how much you love your work, you can never predict how the public will react to your project,” they admit.
Music has always been an integral part of SHiiKANE’s lives. Growing up in a musically inclined household, their earliest memories of music involve weekends filled with the sounds of Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Diana Ross, Queen, and more, played on their parents’ vintage record player. These early influences shaped their eclectic taste, which continues to inform their music today. They cite a wide range of artists, from African talents like Tiwa Savage and Olamide to global icons like Michael Jackson and Prince, as inspirations.
The journey to create Sixty Diamond Seconds was a labor of love, with the sisters pouring their hearts into every aspect of the album. “Creating Sixty Diamond Seconds was an amazing journey. This is our debut album so we wanted it to be right and a good representation of us,” they explain. The recording process spanned multiple countries, including the UK, Nigeria, and Germany, adding to the complexity and intensity of the project. Despite the challenges, the group was determined to ensure that each song flowed together to tell their story.
Upon completing the album, the sisters gathered in the studio to listen to the finished product, an experience they describe as deeply emotional. “When Sixty Diamond Seconds was complete, we sat together in the studio and listened to each track over and over again, and it was quite an emotional experience for us knowing that it’s our debut album,” they recall.
As they reflect on their journey so far, SHiiKANE has no shortage of memorable moments. They fondly remember performing at a show in Atlanta on November 23, embarking on a European tour in February 2024, and hosting an album listening party for Sixty Diamond Seconds. These experiences, along with their philanthropic efforts through Anthonia’s Women and Children Foundation (AWACF), continue to inspire them as they look to the future.
With their debut album now out in the world, SHiiKANE is focused on continuing to create music that resonates with their fans while giving back to their community. “Our ultimate goal is to be the first African female group to have global success,” they declare. As they embark on this next chapter, there’s no doubt that SHiiKANE is poised to achieve even greater heights.
