Meet Shanelle Genai

Shanelle Genai is a freelance Entertainment and Features Writer living and working in Los Angeles, CA. Originally heralding from Little Rock, Arkansas, she currently serves as an Entertainment Writer for The Root, a digital outlet that provides thought-provoking and entertaining commentary and news from a variety of Black perspectives. In this role, her oft-humorous and insightful pieces sit at the intersection of race and pop culture.

Harnessing over 5 years of experience and a love for all things entertainment, celebrity news, TV, film and music, Shanelle has made her mark as an established voice and creative in the industry. Notable interviews include Jonathan Majors, Hillary Clinton, Samuel L. Jackson, Idris Elba, Taraji P. Henson, Issa Rae, Quinta Brunson, Sterling K. Brown and Oprah Winfrey. She’s also covered big nights in entertainment such as the Emmys red carpet and the Oscars.

Harnessing over 5 years of experience and a love for all things TV, films, music, celebrity news and pop culture, I’ve made my mark as an established voice & creative in the industry. Notable interviews include Jonathan Majors, Hillary Clinton, Samuel L. Jackson, Idris Elba, Taraji P. Henson, Issa Rae, Quinta Brunson, Sterling K. Brown, Mahershala Ali and Oprah Winfrey. She’s also done red carpet & live coverage for major award shows like the Emmys and Golden Globes as well as major events such as Sundance Film Festival as well as participated in countless TV/film junkets.

In addition to her work at The Root, she’s also been featured in other publications and platforms like BBC, MSNBC, ESSENCE Magazine, Fortune Magazine, Revolt and more. In 2022, she founded Thee Media Mavens, a collective of Black Women creative professionals across various industries and hosted nearly 100 women for our inaugural Thee Media Mavens x ESSENCEFest Takeover, sponsored by VH1.

With regard to future opportunities, she’d love to translate her interviewing and cultural commentary skills to more on-screen opportunities such as hosting, guest panels, red carpet and live event correspondence.