Jenessa Williams
Jenessa is a freelance music journalist, fandom academic and the writer of Subtweets, our weekly column that dissects the trending topics setting Music Twitter alight. She likes millennial hip-hop, noughties emo and advocating for a new era of diversity and representation in both.
There is nothing condemnable about Sam Smith’s expression of queer, body-positive joy
Content warning: Mentions of misgendering, queerphobia, fatphobia
A staple of mainstream UK pop, the idea of Sam Smith being a particularly controversial or debatable figure...
Critiquing Beyoncé is not the same as calling for her cancellation
At this point, everybody knows that an era-opening performance from Beyoncé is going to go down in history. Shrouded in secrecy, Knowles-Carter returned to...
BBC Introducing is an institution we can’t afford to lose
How do you find your new music? It might be TikTok, YouTube, copping a look at Spotify’s latest ‘trending’ playlist or taking a recommendation...
Coachella’s 2023 world focus is a shrewd sign of the times
Coachella is an event that has always seemed to do its own thing. Negative connotations persist — the flower crowns, the endless dust, the...
2022 in review: The year of house and home
In the uncertain, emotional years of 2020 and 2021, it is no surprise that heartfelt singer-songwriters reigned supreme. Phoebe Bridgers, Sam Fender, HAIM, Olivia...
Meet GloRilla, rap’s newest rising star
Every year, there are a few artists who appear to define the year, lighting up social media and cementing the biggest cultural trends. There...
45’s of the Week – Self Esteem, Kaeto, Memphis LK and more
Self Esteem – 'The 345 (Choose You Edit)'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvrhYjcq488
As anyone who has attended a Self Esteem show in the last 18 months will attest, ‘The...
The BRITs Rising Star nominations prove that the future of homegrown R&B is bright
If you live in the UK, you will know that an artist winning a BRIT award is still a pretty big deal. Introduced in...
2023 GRAMMY nominations: has The Academy got it right this year?
Now in its 65th year, the release of the GRAMMY nomination longlist has always been a big day for the industry, a way to...
Project Fandom: Meet the fan organisers lighting up your favourite concerts
The day of the concert has finally arrived. You’ve got your tickets, lightstick and phone, and are ready to dance the night away to...