Selah Sue – Belgian singer arrives at Musicology Sessions

1. The Selah Sue & The Gallands project brings together generations and different musical languages. Was there a moment when you realized this collaboration had something truly special?

Yes! I think the concert at Jazz Middleham was our first performance together, and that was the turning point. It felt incredibly liberating, as if we had been performing together for years, it felt like we were one. That was the moment everything clicked: maybe we created these songs for Jazz Middleham, but they were too powerful to remain just there. That’s when I decided we needed to record them, make an album, and share them with a wider audience.

2. Improvisation seems to play a key role in this project. How important is it for you to maintain a sense of unpredictability on stage?

For me, it’s incredibly liberating. I come from pop music, where everything is quite structured, verse, chorus, bridge. Working with Stéphane Galland, who is deeply rooted in jazz and very open and free, really pushes me to step outside that framework and explore more on stage. On the other hand, Elvin Galland on keyboards brings a stronger sense of structure, so I think we meet somewhere in the middle. I exist between those two worlds.
I love that we always return to the chorus, but within that, there’s so much room for experimentation, especially in the verses, or in long intros and outros where we can truly improvise. It keeps me alert and present. Singing alone is easy, but this way it’s much more exciting because I can constantly discover new ways to express myself.

3. Working with Stéphane and Elvin Galland, both exceptional musicians, what has this dialogue taught you about your artistic identity?

It has taught me a lot, especially to trust my instincts and follow what feels right. Stéphane and Elvin have always been incredibly respectful; they never told me what to do or tried to push me in a certain direction. Instead, they gave me complete freedom to explore and express myself. They’ve been very supportive, especially when it comes to finding harmonies and developing ideas together. There’s a strong sense of mutual trust. We all gave each other space, and in that sense, this project is truly about freedom.

4. Your voice carries a rare emotional intensity. Do you feel you sing today from a different inner space compared to the beginning of your career?

Even in the beginning, I was very honest. My early work, like This Worldand Raggamuffin, came from a very real and authentic place. I never made music with the idea that it should be played on the radio, it was always about expressing something honest. Of course, things change over time, you grow, you evolve. I’m no longer that twenty-year-old. I have different things to say and express now. And I’m really proud that I’ve always followed what felt true to me.

5. Your work often balances vulnerability and strength. How aware are you of that duality when you perform?

I think I’m quite aware of it. People often tell me that, especially since I’m very open about my mental challenges. But in a way, that openness is what makes me strong, and people notice that too. I have no shame or fear in being that way. For me, it means I can turn my vulnerability into something powerful. And that can truly resonate with people who are going through similar things, who may feel they shouldn’t feel certain emotions. We’re all human, we’re all connected, so let’s be honest and open, so we can support each other.

6. As your new album gradually takes shape, what kind of emotional impact would you like it to leave on listeners?

I think it’s an ode to moving forward, that’s also the album’s title. Don’t stay stuck in your emotions, just allow yourself to feel them, accept them, let them pass through you. And realize that you’re not alone. We are all one, all connected, coming from the same source. So the message is really about freedom and connection.
I don’t overthink it, and I think that’s the most important thing. Just create, and whatever comes out is your essence. Don’t think about how you should sound, just be free. I think my voice is quite recognizable, and people will always recognize it. That’s the thread running through all my music, a strong, raw, soulful voice. That’s me. That’s my identity. But when it comes to genre, I can be truly free, and I love that.

7. Is there a part of you the audience hasn’t yet seen that might emerge in this new chapter?

What I’m doing on stage now is going completely free into what I call “angelic singing” very high, and something I’ve never done before. But it feels incredibly liberating. It’s also very soothing for my voice.
In a way, it connects me more to my ancestors, my grandmothers and beyond. It’s very emotional to sing in that register.

8. Regarding your upcoming concert in Belgrade on May 14, how would you describe the spirit of the evening in three words?

I was already very excited, but these questions made me even more excited and gave me a great feeling about the concert in Belgrade. I’m really looking forward to it! At the moment of answering, we’ve had two concerts, and by May 14 we’ll have played several more, which means we’ll be even more in sync, bringing more freedom, confidence, and that burning desire for a truly great show. I can’t wait!
If I had to describe it in three words: Freedom, emotion, and connection.