November 19th 2011
Saint Lucia’s very own Nicki Minaj! : “Pradda Finada!”
By : Rae Anthony

This weekend we’re featuring an underground rapper, with undeniable talent. Her name is Shanan Siona Stephen but her stage name is “Pradda Finada.” We interviewed the female rapper, whom many Saint Lucians say is the next Nicki Minaj as her lyrics and music are quite impressive.

Yo! : Hey Shanan, tell us about yourself, let the public get to know a little about you!

Pradda: Well I'm an upcoming female rap\hip-hop artist and Songwriter. I'm down to earth but sometimes passive aggressive......what can I say? Music has always been my passion and will always be my distraction from the hardship that comes with life. I’m just wrapping up my Intro to Pradda Finada mixtape so look out for music from there.

Yo! : When did you first realize your love for music? Do you stick to one genre of music? Or can you do a bit of everything?

Pradda: To be honest, I started writing music at the age of 12. It began with me changing the words in every song that I liked. But then it evolved into my writing my own RNB and Pop. I liked to think that I can write any genre of music that I put my mind to, which makes me very diverse.

Yo! : The name "Pradda Finada" is what an individual would call "unique." Tell us how that name came about.

Pradda: Pradda Finada originated from my semi-nickname “Dark Pradda” and from there a lot of people started calling me “Pradda” I told myself that as an artist I can’t be straight Pradda so I came up with Pradda Finada. Pradda, meaning a brand and Finada, meaning you’re going to get great music without a price tag on it.

Yo! : Do you write your own songs and freestyle? Or do you have an individual who puts the lyrics on paper for you?

Pradda: I do all the writing of my music and freestyles on my own.

Yo! : How long have you been rapping/ singing?

Pradda: I started the rapping thing about a year ago. Singing, I'm not too much of a singer, but I try to when I'm writing my hooks.

Yo! : Have you had any kind of public exposure? If you have to perform in front a crowd, do you get stage fright?

Pradda: Not really but I performed once in-front of a crowd. "Stage fright" sure, but I'll have to get over it.

Yo! : Which rappers/ singers in the music industry would you say are your inspirations and why?

Pradda: I never had a favourite rapper until I started listening to Wale. He's so poetic and passionate about his music. I love Chrisette Michele. Her voice is vintage, that's what I like about her. Other than that I listen to everything

Yo! : Tell us a few of your goals; where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

Pradda: Ten years from now I see myself smiling at the Grammies on my mantelpiece in my living room.

Yo! : Apart from rapping/ singing, is there anything else that you enjoy doing? Anything else you'd like to pursue?

Pradda: Besides from chilling with family and friends, I definitely want to be recognized as a professional songwriter. That’s where my mind set's at.

Yo! : Tell us one thing in the world you would love to do, to complete your "Things to do" list.

Pradda: Hmmm things to do....let me see....collaborate with as much artists as I can. Don't tell anybody but I'm obsess with forensics....ssshhh..

This concludes our interview with Shanan Siona Stephen who also goes by the name of “Pradda Finada!” Look out for a lot more from the rapper who has the potential to give Nicki a run for her money!

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