THIS year marks singjay Sasique’s 10th anniversary in the music business. It has been a career of highs, lows and frustration.

But the saucy artiste’s perseverance has paid off with the success of Kute & Neat, a song released three years ago. It recently took off thanks to TikTok.

Produced by Greenlace Entertainment, its hook (“You got me now”) and raunchy video has struck the right chord with feisty, independent females and some famous names.

“I never expected this; it came to me by surprise. I’ve never had a song that charted in so many countries and so many celebrities using my sound. My single, Lend Him, did its thing but it never charted,” said Sasique.

Those “celebrities” include members of the Liverpool football team and American hip hop artiste Jaydawayda, who used snippets of Kute & Neat on their TikTok pages.

Although its sound, content and video are typical dancehall fare, Sasique had empowerment on her mind when she wrote Kute & Neat.

“My objective was to let females feel good about themselves, believe in themselves, and have confidence,” she said.

Born Markella Allen in Kingston, Sasique spent her most of her childhood in Williamsfield, St Elizabeth, and in Montego Bay. It was not long after returning to the capital that she got involved in music, entering the Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall talent contest in 2012.

She also recorded songs for producers including Steven Ventura. Her early singles include Children Are Dying and Natural Mystic Blowing.

Citing Patra, Lady Saw and Beenie Man among her biggest influences, Sasique said Kute & Neat reflects her approach to music.

“I have a unique style. I’m a perfectionist and I’m not going to finish until it’s perfect or next to perfect. And, I have a diverse catalogue — I don’t sound the same way in all my songs.”