Jamaican singer Shenseea is stirring up a heated debate with her latest single, “Dating Szn (Options)”, a bold track that delves into the complexities of modern dating. Sampling TLC’s iconic 1999 hit No Scrubs, Shenseea embraces the concept of dating multiple partners while exploring her options before committing to a relationship. Released with a vibrant music video amassing over 1.2 million views, the track has quickly become a talking point, particularly on social media, where it has garnered both praise and criticism.
On one hand, many women have hailed the song as a new anthem for female empowerment and independence. Shenseea’s candid message about taking control of her romantic life and weighing her options resonates with many in today’s dating culture. One fan commented, “The men are going to hate this song because we females are about to be blasting it,” while another added, “What a perfect way to reintroduce dating to our generation.” The singer’s boldness in discussing topics traditionally dominated by men is being celebrated as a refreshing take on women’s autonomy in relationships.
However, “Dating Szn (Options)” hasn’t escaped controversy. Critics have accused Shenseea of promoting promiscuity and immoral behaviour, particularly among young women. “Most of her songs promote harlotry, but this generation of vipers will gravitate towards such behaviour,“ one user remarked on social media. Shelly-Ann Weeks, a women’s rights activist and sex educator, defended Shenseea, stating that the conversation around dating and having multiple partners is nothing new and should not carry a double standard. “If Shenseea is occupying a space where we feel that women shouldn’t occupy, then there is backlash,“ Weeks noted in an interview.
Amidst the uproar, it’s clear that “Dating Szn (Options)“ has tapped into a deeper societal conversation about gender roles, relationships, and the evolving norms of dating in the 21st century. Whether viewed as a female empowerment anthem or as a problematic message, the song has undeniably sparked conversation and captured listeners’ attention across the diaspora.
