Soham Kothari, professionally known as shei, is a 26-year-old Belgian artist of Indian descent who has carved a distinctive niche in the music industry as a rapper, songwriter, singer, and producer. His multifaceted artistry stems from a rich and diverse musical upbringing in a culturally vibrant household. His parents introduced him to the timeless melodies of Bollywood legends like Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar, while his sisters added the sounds of international pop icons such as the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC to the mix. These early influences laid the foundation for Shei’s eclectic musical identity.
Shei’s passion for hip-hop ignited during his teenage years when he discovered legendary artists like Eminem and 2Pac. This pivotal moment transformed his love for poetry into an admiration for rap, a genre where poetic expression merges with rhythm and music. Inspired by modern luminaries such as Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Mac Miller, and JID, Shei began crafting a career that seamlessly blends storytelling with compelling lyricism.
In 2017, Shei took a bold step toward realizing his artistic aspirations by moving to Los Angeles to study at the Musicians Institute. Under the mentorship of renowned rapper Old Man Saxon, he refined his craft and graduated in 2019 with a Certificate in the Independent Artist Program. His time in LA proved transformative, as he collaborated with artists like REV, Eshani, and Anja Nissen, contributing to various writing and recording projects.
Shei continued to elevate his artistry in London, where he earned a BA in Music Production and Sound Engineering in August 2022. During his time there, he collaborated with talented peers, including producer Anume, singer-songwriter Ronam, and author and educator Anna Lakatos, further expanding his sonic repertoire and technical expertise.
Alongside his creative endeavors, Shei pursued advanced academic training, earning a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship & Innovation from Hult International Business School in San Francisco and a Master of Science in International Marketing from Hult International Business School in London. This unique blend of creative artistry and business acumen enables Shei to navigate the complex intersection of music, marketing, and innovation with a forward-thinking approach.
Shei also brings over a decade of studio experience to his work, specializing in music production, songwriting, and visually engaging content. As the founder of Sylum Records, an indie label focused on prioritizing creativity over commercialism, he is committed to reshaping the music industry while maintaining financial sustainability. His entrepreneurial vision extends to his plans for a groundbreaking Web3 platform aimed at empowering artists by directly connecting them with audiences and eliminating traditional industry barriers.
Shei’s journey is a testament to his dedication to his craft, seamlessly blending his multicultural heritage with diverse musical influences to create a sound that is both authentic and innovative. As an artist, entrepreneur, and marketer, Shei is shaping the future of music and redefining what it means to be a modern creative professional.
