Akosua DF: How did you get started in music? 

Sharyn: Growing up in my house, music was always blasted on the radio. From The Jackson 5 and Lionel Richie to The Watoto Childrens Choir and The Winans Family, my parents have always had an excellent ear for music and that got passed down to me. I was lucky that my mum saw I had a passion for singing from a young age, so she nurtured that and took me to every singing and piano lesson possible. I think I joined every choir my schools had to offer, and fun fact, I released a short gospel EP when I was 9 years old called Teach a Child. It was good, but during those days I was more interested in becoming the 6th member of the Spice Girls, than pursuing a career in Gospel music.

Fast forward to my early twenties where writing music and choirs were very much at the back burner, I was pursuing the sciences studying a degree in Biology, but I was struggling. My relationship with God wasnt the strongest and distractions were all around me. I ended up failing my degree and hit what felt like rock bottom. It was from there that I picked up my pen and began to write music again, journaling my feelings, having honest conversations with God, and reading my word. God in His mercy enabled me to complete my degree, and, in that time, I wrote what would become my debut single Beautiful Saviour and the rest is history.

Akosua DF: Whats the story behind the album title In Full Bloom?

Sharyn: The title In Full Bloom was birthed during lockdown. The album did not have a name for almost a year, but I knew that it would about dealing with the issues of life such as unforgiveness and loneliness, from the root. I would often go for long walks, and it was miraculous seeing the seasons change one day at a time, watching some flowers grow and flourish and others struggling to cope with change, just like us. This album explores the journey to wholeness and becoming in full bloom.

Akosua DF: Which song on the album is the dearest to your heart & why?

Sharyn :This is a very difficult question as I love them all dearly, but I would say Psalm 91. I wrote this song with a dear friend of mine and artist called Keziah Who at the height of the pandemic. It was a scripture that I would read repeatedly whenever anxiety and fear of the unknown tried to cripple me. It became a prayer and I wanted to bring those words to life through song. I want people to know we serve a faithful God who is true to His word and His promises are a source of protection, your amour and shield.

Akosua DF : Youve done quite a number of great collaborations. If you had the opportunity to collaborate again, which three artists would be on your shortlist?

Sharyn: I must start with my friend, the legend, MOBO award winning artist CalledOut Music. The funny thing is he did a verse for one of my older singles, but we felt that we wanted to write something fresh. Whenever it happens, I know it will be amazing. I would then say New Zealands finest, an artist called CASS. She is such an incredible singer, songwriter, and producer, with so many good tunes under her belt. Her album GENESIS is one of my favourite albums of all time. Finally, it would have to be Uncle Kirk Franklin because who wouldnt want to work with him. He is so inspirational; his music has stood the test of time and has always remained current.

Akosua DF: What can we expect from Sharyn over the forthcoming months?

Sharyn: Hopefully some live performances. I miss interacting with people and live music, so that is something that I am really praying can happen over the next few months.

Written by Akosua DF, Premier Gospel Presenter

The much anticipated full length project from Sharyn is finally out. The sultry toned singer wholly embraces her modern RnB sound on the 13-track album which she hopes fans find cinematic, colourful and Christ-centred.