Japanese pop artist Sena Kana has amassed an impressive following in her time on the scene, noting collaborations with the likes of Wiz Khalifa and Sheppard – for the 2019 single Up. That particular release was certified Gold in the USA, and ultimately helped set off an upward trajectory for the uniquely distinct pop singer.
Most recently, Afraid is a solo independent single from Sena Kana, and showcases a fearlessly minimalist yet powerful approach to exploring the topic of being afraid yet fighting to overcome the struggle. It’s an empowering piano-ballad of sorts, but it features a more meandering vocal style for the verses, along with Sena Kana’s delicate to impassioned and unmistakable vocals. It’s a deeply evocative, inspiring song, and it speaks volumes on behalf of the integrity and dedication that Sena Kana continues to bring to modern music.
As it stands, Up remains Sena’s most vastly streamed single, with over 3 million plays on Spotify alone. The song is equally evocative, but pairs melodic vocals on top of a light and uplifting pop soundscape, rising into a more relentless rhythm and anthemic energy that’s infectious as it gathers bold momentum. The result is a euphoric and colourful dance-pop set-up, with strong performances from all involved, and a central riff and melody that pierce through the airwaves and linger once the music has ended.
Also worth noting from the Sena Kana repertoire is the profound and soulful yet again EDM-kissed embrace of Show Me. Once again the production and melody feel genuinely original, this longform expression proving both interesting and satisfying. Sena Kana’s voice is humble yet versatile, skilfully and emotively making its way through a multitude of different sections and styles; from gentle and breathy to higher-octane and celebratory. All the while, her lyrics strike with a certain emotional authenticity, which lets the greater depth of each single connect in a mighty and lasting way.
The single Show Me officially made it to the Billboard Top 200, and with thousands of monthly listeners now tuning in to the unmistakable and heartfelt sound of Sena Kana, 2025 is undoubtedly set to be an unmissable year for the rising artist.
“Don’t you wanna show me, what it’s like to be loved?”
