Senna-Marie

Senna-Marie is a Johannesburg-based multi-disciplinary artist, songwriter and musician interested in the social habits of conflict and intimacy within networks (human and otherwise). This has culminated in an array of ongoing projects, most stemming from the emotional resonance of her lyricism. Her alt- folk band with collaborator and friend Ryan Schultze [co-composer/producer] is a first home for most of her songwriting. Together they carve out their sound: a fusion of playful rhythms, dreamy melodies and thoughtful lyricism, recalling ‘70s folk with an admiration for art-pop and jazz sensibilities. In their fullest, they are a six-piece band alongside Nicholas Bjorkman (drums), Keegan Latham (bass), Athi Ngcaba (trombone) and Pamela King (vocals).

The group are currently in-studio with audio engineer, Danny Helsing preparing their full length album (release Oct 2025). Their first single Golden (released April 2023) gives an idea of what to expect from the lush vocal harmonies, vulnerable lyricism and intricate arrangements of the full band. Preceding this, Senna-Marie and Ryan released their EP, Fence Sitter (March 2021| 4 tracks) marking their entry into the South African music scene with track 2: Lover’s Song, reaching 260K listens on spotify. Notable performances include: Nirox Arts Foundation, Black Labone Earth Day, The Half Moon (London), Park Acoustics and most recently: Capital Craft Festival, PTA (June 2024.)

Most recently, Senna is working on: Threshold, a music video production in collaboration with filmmaker, Nicola Pilkington, commissioned by Stellenbosch University. This project is a continuation of the FicSci 03 Artist Residency where Senna wrote the song Threshold, inspired by the South African sea-ice scientist, Tokoloho Rampai. The project is also being furthered as part of the Antarctic Artists Residency Programme. Other interdisciplinary projects include: Square Eyes an audio-visual performance project exploring digital intimacy through song, shadow and gesture; and A common ground where water parts ways, a collaborative installation and performance with Athi Ngcaba (Waste Not Want Not Artist Residency | Brixton Lights Festival 2023).

Senna’s practises are diverse and include: event curation (Co-hosting Talk/Here with Tubatsi Mpho Moloi); freelance guitar accompaniment (Morena Leraba, Lesotho 2023); features in other musical projects (Destination Unknown | The Bridge - Ryan Schultze); and arts education through workshop development and facilitation (Isithatha Theatre, Gqeberha 2023 | American International School: Annual Arts Fest 2023).