Shantel Bradford
Shantel Bradford is a dynamic Jamaican-Ghanaian vocalist and multi-instrumentalist known for her powerful voice, genre versatility, and captivating stage presence. As the lead singer and only female member of SunJamma Band, she brings a distinctive blend of Caribbean warmth and African rhythmic influence to the group’s international sound.
Born in Jamaica, Shantel began performing professionally at the age of 13. Her early musical journey included forming her own band, The Highlighters, where she served as both lead vocalist and keyboardist. The group worked as a backing band for several Jamaican artists and performed extensively in hotels, clubs, and live venues across Negril. During this period, she also developed proficiency on steel pan, performing with steel pan ensembles in hotel circuits and further expanding her musical range.
At the age of 19, Shantel relocated to Austria, where she spent over a decade building an international performance career. During her time in Europe, she performed aboard AIDA cruise ships, entertaining global audiences in professional touring environments. She also gained popularity as part of the duo Kool Runnings 2, performing at concerts, festivals, and events across Austria and Germany.
Alongside her performance career, Shantel developed skills in digital creativity, including music video production and web application design. She studied Computer Science at the University of Graz and lived in Graz for approximately ten years, further broadening her technical and artistic foundation. She has also spent time living in the United States, adding to her global musical and cultural perspective.
Shantel is fluent in English, German, and Jamaican Patois, and is widely recognized for her expressive voice, natural charisma, and warm, grounded personality that resonates with audiences instantly. Her ability to connect emotionally through music has made her a standout performer in every environment she has worked in.
Her vocal versatility spans jazz, soul, R&B, reggae, Latin, and contemporary fusion styles, allowing her to adapt effortlessly to diverse musical settings while maintaining a strong artistic identity.
Today, Shantel is the lead vocalist of SunJamma Band, where she is also developing her debut major album. Her artistry, experience, and global background make her a central force in the band’s identity and international appeal.
Career Highlights
- Lead vocalist of SunJamma Band
- Professional performing artist since age 13
- Founder and frontwoman of Jamaican band The Highlighters
- Backing vocalist and keyboardist for touring Jamaican artists
- Steel pan performer in Jamaican hotel and resort circuits
- International performer aboard AIDA cruise ships
- Member of European performance duo Kool Runnings 2 (Austria & Germany)
- Performed across Jamaica, Austria, Germany, USA, and beyond
- Studied Computer Science at the University of Graz, Austria
- Music video creator and web application designer
- Fluent in English, German, and Jamaican Patois
- Active across jazz, soul, reggae, R&B, Latin, and fusion genres
"Music is my way of connecting worlds—Caribbean, African, and global. Every performance is about emotion, storytelling, and creating something that stays with people long after the stage goes quiet."
Live Performance
Book Shantel For Your Event
Available as part of the full 5-piece SunJamma band or the international duo configuration Kool Runnings 2.