Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shelter Hodanu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Shelter, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear you experience with and lessons learned from recruiting and team building.
Having a team is one of the most important aspects of being a creative or an artist. The collaborative nature of creativity means that we often can’t see or know it all on our own; we need others to provide insights and support. However, building a team can be quite challenging, especially in regions where the art market isn’t as vibrant as in the Western world. It can be tough to find people who genuinely want to collaborate and invest in creative projects.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Sh3lter is a dynamic and soulful artist hailing from Ghana, My journey into music has been a profound blend of personal discovery and cultural exploration. It was through recognizing my musical talent that I truly began to understand how the experiences and challenges I’ve faced have shaped both my identity and my craft. Growing up in Ghana, I was immersed in a rich tapestry of musical traditions. Whether it was the soulful rhythms of highlife, the spiritual depth of gospel, or the vibrant pulse of traditional African music. These sounds became my foundation, guiding my creative expression and fueling my passion for music.
At its core, Afro-soul with a Ghanaian touch blends the complex rhythms and rich harmonies of Ghanaian musical traditions—such as the percussive patterns of Adowa, Ewe drum ensembles, or the infectious grooves of highlife—with the smooth, emotive qualities of soul. The sound often features layered, syncopated drum beats that evoke the heartbeat of everyday life in Ghana, while the melodies and vocal delivery draw deeply from the soul, expressing vulnerability, love, longing, and resilience.
The instrumentation typically includes a mix of traditional African instruments like the xylophone, balafon, and talking drum, alongside modern instruments like electric guitars, bass, and keyboards. The harmonic structure may also incorporate bluesy scales, call-and-response vocals, and melismatic singing, common in soul and gospel music. These elements are seamlessly woven together, creating a sound that is both grounded in Ghanaian culture and expansive in its emotional range.
The blend of Ghanaian life and soul in Afro-soul brings to the forefront themes of connection, identity, and the complexities of human experience. The music mirrors the vibrancy, warmth, and spirituality of Ghanaian life, while also embracing the emotional depth and personal expression found in soul music. This fusion creates a soundscape that feels both timeless and contemporary, offering listeners a sonic journey through the heart and soul of Africa, enriched by the authentic experiences and emotions that define the Ghanaian spirit.
My lyrics are grounded in my own journey and the truths i have come to understand about myself and the world around me. Whether it’s reflecting on the challenges of of life or exploring the complexities of identity and belonging, my music is unapologetically honest. This authenticity shines through in every track, inviting my listeners to embrace their own truths and find solace in the shared experiences of life.
my music doesn’t just entertain; it challenges and empowers. With each song, I creates a space for self-reflection and personal growth, using my powerful voice to amplify the voices of those who may not always have the platform to speak their truths.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My name is Shelter, and it’s more than just a name. it’s my calling, my purpose. To shelter. To provide refuge, to offer protection, and to create a safe space where people can find peace amidst the chaos of life. My music is not just sound; it’s a sanctuary. When I sing, I want to offer shelter to anyone who needs it, whether they’re facing personal turmoil, societal struggles, or the overwhelming noise of the world around them. In my songs, I create a place where you can pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself.
My mission is clear: to empower people, especially women, to embrace their true selves. I know firsthand the challenges that come with being a woman in a male-dominated industry, but my name reminds me every day why I’m here. Shelter is not just what I give—it’s also what I need, and what I believe we all need. A safe space to grow, to speak our truths, to explore our identities without fear.
Through my lyrics, I offer that refuge. I want every woman who listens to my music to feel seen, to know that her voice matters. Whether it’s finding strength in the face of adversity or learning to love herself unapologetically, I want my music to be a shield that protects and uplifts. It’s my way of saying, “You are worthy, you are enough, and you have the power to stand tall.
Also there’s more to this than just personal empowerment. My music is a celebration of where I come from Ghana. My roots are my shelter. They give me a foundation, a deep well of inspiration from which I draw. Through the rhythms, stories, and traditions of my people, I find the strength to keep moving forward.
I want my music to honor that heritage, to preserve the beauty and richness of Ghanaian culture for generations to come. In a world where traditions sometimes feel threatened, my sound is a refuge—a place where our history is not forgotten but celebrated, where we can hold onto the past while stepping boldly into the future. My music is an invitation to reconnect with those roots, to remember where we come from, and to take pride in that.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
My journey into music has been nothing short of serendipitous, and I owe a lot of it to a chance encounter that changed everything. I started my music career professionally only last year, and honestly, it all began with a little nudge from my current manager, Blvcksthebusybody.
It was an ordinary night, or so I thought, when my friends dragged me along to an event called Akwaaba Night. For those who don’t know, it’s an annual event, mainly for university freshers, where young talents come together to showcase their skills. I was just there to have fun, no intentions of stepping into the spotlight myself—at least not that night. But as life often does, it had other plans.
While I was mingling with my friends, a gentleman approached me. We started chatting casually, and he mentioned that he was at the event with an artist who was performing that night. At that point, I didn’t tell him that I was into music too. I was still finding my way and wasn’t ready to open up about my music career just yet. But as the conversation went on, we exchanged numbers, and we agreed to keep in touch.
A few days later, we reconnected, and this time, I revealed to him that I had been working on some music of my own. I shared a demo with him—not expecting much—but his reaction blew me away. He was genuinely impressed and could see the potential in me. That was a turning point for me. It wasn’t just the validation that got me excited—it was the feeling of having someone believe in me and my craft.
From there, Blvcksthebusybody and I started working closely together. His guidance, support, and expertise helped shape my vision and gave me the confidence I needed to pursue this professionally. Together, we began navigating the industry, figuring out the logistics of music, branding, and everything that comes with building a career.
But the story doesn’t end there. Through Blvcks, I was introduced to my second manager, Nancy Weise, who has been an incredible asset to my journey. Nancy’s experience and insight have been invaluable, and she’s been instrumental in helping us build a strong foundation as a team.
It’s funny to think that just a year ago, I was simply enjoying the night out with my friends, not knowing that it would lead me to where I am today. That one conversation, that one connection, set the stage for everything to come. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected moments can change the trajectory of your life.
Shout out to Blvcks for believing in me from the very start, and to Nancy Weise for joining the journey and helping turn this dream into something real.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbS1KZV9qUXdQcExnM2VXNl95bFFCS2JlVlF0QXxBQ3Jtc0tuUGtiQnZMcUd6RFZHNHVBdml3V1RGelV2THQyc19VZUR6RXBIODU0R3hFQVlDam4xRVRabmZXaVBJSDJULS1iZF9PX3NBYmJPRFRSZFFUNE5May1yLUZNTkRpRDdOalpVSlM5aDdTNk9PZVVrR1lpSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fsh3lter_hood%3Figsh%3DaXI2ejJ3d3B2dzBq
- Twitter: https://x.com/Sh3lter_hood
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@sh3lter_?si=k3Nhl-CqErEZK8_v
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7qiwVpjpqGq1wD3VtSLnVX?si=Wwr5ScyqTCCDUgOCyZquGQ
Image Credits
Amese Edem Forster