Shushu

Some artists don’t just sing — they radiate life.
Shushu, a voice that seems to embrace everyone who listens, turns every jam session into a spontaneous celebration of music and human connection.
Born in Iraq and raised in Germany, Shushu moved to Torrevieja just a couple of months ago, but she’s already become one of the most remarkable figures at El Paso, where her energy, smile, and authenticity have captured the hearts of both the audience and the musicians.

In this conversation with FOTKAI, Shushu shares her story — how music became her freedom, why she values authenticity over filters, and what it feels like to see her emotions captured through photography.

To begin, how do you prefer to be called? Shane, S. Shane, or something else?

Everyone calls me Shushu 😊. It’s my nickname, and everyone knows me that way.

You often sing at jam sessions and radiate a sense of freedom. What does the stage mean to you — work, pleasure, or a way to connect with people?

On stage, I feel like I don’t have to hide. There, I’m simply myself.
I feel free and let out whatever I think people might enjoy.
When I see the smiling faces of the audience, I’m filled with joy — that’s what matters most to me.
At jam sessions, I can improvise freely. It’s always exciting because you don’t always know the other musicians, and you never know what’s going to happen.
But music connects us, and that’s something you can feel — both with fellow musicians and with the audience.

Do you remember your very first time on stage? What emotions stayed with you from that moment?

The first time I stepped on stage, my hands were shaking a lot — and then I felt thrilled.
But I always knew that was my place: the stage!

How do you decide what to sing at each performance? Is it about your mood, inspiration, or just going with the flow?

When I sing alone, without a band, I prepare my setlist based on how I feel.
I usually start with slow songs, then move to more upbeat ones so people can dance and enjoy.
Sometimes the audience requests songs, I look them up quickly — and sing them on the spot!

A jam session is always unpredictable. Have you ever had a moment on stage when something didn’t go as planned but turned into pure magic?

At jam sessions, there are sometimes mistakes 🤣, but I stay connected with the audience.
I don’t turn around to the musicians — I keep the interaction with the crowd, make jokes, or funny comments.
So, almost no one notices the mistake, and everything turns out great — everyone ends up happy! 😃👌

What song would you say reflects who you are the most, and why?

There are several songs that move me deeply and remind me of moments in my life.
For example, “I Love You Too” by Ziggy Marley.
It’s about love and expresses it beautifully with lines like “I love you like the fish loves the water” or “I love you like the grass loves being green and the earth loves being clean.”
It’s a wonderful song.
I feel very connected to it because I have so much love in my heart and feel very close to nature.

You often perform at El Paso — a place where voices, languages, and rhythms blend. What’s special for you about a small bar like that compared to big stages?

I’ve lived in Spain, in Torrevieja, for only two months, and El Paso was the first bar where I sang after arriving.
The atmosphere is amazing. I know the people, and with the owners I feel like I’m with my parents.
I feel comfortable and welcome — from the very first moment.

Music today is deeply tied to social media and image. How important is it for you to stay authentic in this world of filters and likes?

I don’t like filters or people who try to be something they’re not.
Everyone should stay authentic.
There’s no reason to fake it.
We should feel good about ourselves, because in the end, what matters is not what others think of you — it’s how you feel about yourself.
Authenticity shows instantly.

If you could sing a duet with any artist — living or gone — who would it be, and why?

The Beatles, James Brown, Etta James, and many others from the past!
I love old music because it was 100% authentic.

How do you perceive the music scene in Spain? Does it inspire you, surprise you, make you feel welcome?

I love Spanish music — the authentic, original kind: flamenco! 💃
Even though I’m Iraqi, I feel a very strong emotional connection to flamenco.
I’d love to learn how to dance it!

What do you think about the FOTKAI project and the idea of capturing real emotions and the atmosphere of music through photography?

I think FOTKAI is amazing! 🔥
The next day I’m always curious and check to see if new photos have been uploaded.
There are always beautiful images and videos.
You always pick the best moments, the best captures!