What started as a simple love for singing and performing gradually grew into something much deeper, taking Sherise D’Souza across genres and introducing her to vocal coaches who helped her understand the nuances of adapting her voice to different styles. Her journey in music began at the tender age of eight, when she became part of her local church choir. Over the years, this training not only shaped her as a vocalist but also encouraged her to explore songwriting, giving her a space to tell stories, process raw emotions and connect with listeners on a more personal level.
For Sherise, the process of songwriting often begins with an emotion. “A vocal melody or a lyrical hook that stands out- that’s how I build out the narrative arc, making sure the rhythm and lyrics come together seamlessly,” she shares. While the process can appear instinctive, songwriting comes with its own challenges. Writer’s block and the tendency to overanalyse an idea can sometimes interrupt her creative flow. In those moments, she prefers to step back. “I overcome it by stepping back, trusting my instincts, and distracting myself so that I can come back fresh,” she says.
Among the songs closest to her are “Take Me Away”, “Embrace This Love” and “You Get Me”. Each was born out of a period when she needed to remind herself of her own strength and resilience. “They were written during moments when I needed to remind myself of my own resilience, so seeing how they resonate with listeners makes it deeply rewarding,” she says. The personal nature of these songs has made their response from listeners particularly meaningful. At a time when technology is rapidly changing the way music is created, distributed and consumed, Sherise believes that nothing can replicate lived Human experience. She does not consciously try to replicate trends or follow what is popular. Instead, she draws from her own experiences and perspective. “My songs are unique because I don’t try to replicate or follow trends,” she says, adding that every listener connects with her music differently because “there is only one ‘me’ in the world.”
For her, music ultimately comes down to connection. Performing with her band, ‘The Sherise D’Souza Collective,’ allows her to experience that connection in real time. “When I'm performing with my band, I love the live energy exchange that happens there,” she says. Beyond performing, she also mentors emerging artists and coaches people in emotional intelligence.
Having received recognition for her music from both Indian and international platforms, she is especially proud of some, including the 2026 ISSA Gold International Entertainer of the Year Award, the 2026 Best Pop Artist Award from the Radio Music Awards/Indie Music Channel for her song “Funk Train,” and a Silver Medal for Best Pop/Funk Vocalist at the 2026 European International Music Awards. While awards have brought recognition to her work, Sherise believes the real reward lies in taking her music to new audiences. “For me, though, these awards are not just about trophies; they represent years of writing, performing, learning, facing setbacks and rejections and still believing in my music, my skills and abilities,” she says, adding that every recognition has been a reminder that staying authentic to create despite the challenges eventually reaches the right people around the world.
Her recent win of the Gold International Entertainer of the Year award at the ISSA Awards in August 2026 stands out as one of her most significant achievements so far. “While stepping up on stage to receive that recognition, I was filled with gratitude for the countless hours spent writing, producing, organising, and touring independently,” she recalls. Her musical influences remain as diverse as her own journey, ranging from Michael Jackson, Amy Lee and Whitney Houston to Celine Dion and Taylor Swift. Beyond the stages and awards, however, Sherise treasures the quieter moments that have shaped her journey. “Every performance and interaction with the audience through my music is special,” she adds with a smile.
For Sherise, the journey is therefore not simply about reaching bigger stages or collecting more accolades. It is about continuing to create music that feels honest, helping others find their own voices and allowing every song to become a bridge between her experiences and those of her listeners. As her music reaches new audiences, she remains grounded in the belief that authenticity cannot be manufactured, and that the most meaningful songs are often the ones that begin with something deeply personal.
