Jamaican Diva

Jamaican singer DENYQUE DONTR…, 22, famed for the song Summer Love will perform at this year’s Chaguo La Teeniez Awards on April 16. She spoke to MATILDA NZIOKI about her life, career and looking for Mr Right

How did you get into music?

I got a call from Arrows Recording in late 2008 and that’s where it all began. From there, I did my first single Can’t Breathe and it came out in mid 2009.

Is there any other career you wanted to get into while growing up?

There are a host of other things I wanted to do. I would’ve loved to be an interior designer or an architectural engineer. I pride myself in being very talented and creative, especially in the arts. Music will be my platform to fulfil all other goals.

Your biography spells that you were quite a bright student, tell us about your school life and if you juggled school with music.

I didn’t become serious with music until I graduated from high school, so there wasn’t much juggling. My school life from preparatory to high school was incredible. Sometimes I wish I could relive it. I was a little bit of an over-achiever and an all-rounder. I played six sports in high school and was an avid participant in extra-curricular activities and clubs. I was captain of my French Vocabulary team and also, the debating team.

You passed on the opportunity to go to Berklee College of Music in the US due tolack of funds. Now that you are doing relatively well in music, do you still plan to go and study music?

Going to Berklee is definitely still on my wish list.

Also, you graduated with honours in 2006, what did you study?

I engaged mostly in art-based subjects, (like English language and literature, French, art and craft) and also some technical studies (like information technology and technical drawing).

Is it true that when you decided to go for your musical passion, your dad cut you off and disowned you?

It was a very unfortunate situation, but that’s in the past and we have overcome that obstacle.

How did you find the music industry there when you started out?

At first, like everyone else, I thought it would be a breeze, but it wasn’t. I, however, enjoy it immensely. I love the feeling I get when I hear people singing my songs. The lyrics are strong and poetic.

Do you write your own music?

I do play a major role in writing my songs, if I don’t write them alone. My song, Hooked On Me, was written by Jamaican writer and artiste Nicky B and myself. Nicky is an excellent musician and writer.

Where do you draw your inspiration?

I draw inspiration from so many places. It comes from within and manifests itself in different ways.

You sound a bit different from most Jamaican artistes. How would you describe your style of music and the genres you do?

DENYQUE DONTR…

I’d describe my style as a fusion of reggae, pop and R&B. Because it’s a fusion, it works well here. I remain true to my home and people. I am 100 per cent Jamaican and I pride myself in that.

What other kinds of music do artistes do there apart from reggae and ragga/ dancehall?

Some do Soca and hip-hop fusions as well.

Let’s talk about the Jamaican EME (Excellence in Music and Entertainment) awards. How did you feel when you got nominated for Best New Female Artiste?

I was exhilarated and overwhelmed with happiness.

What was your reaction when your name was called out as the winner against the other seven contenders?

My reaction was priceless. I knew I had a chance, but I didn’t go with the sole intention of winning. Being nominated was an honour.

Why do you think the fans chose you as winner in this category?

It was such a competitive category because all of us as nominees worked so hard. Anyone could have won it.

Many have tipped you as the next Alaine, what do you have to say about that?

She has definitely been a sort of role model for me even before I decided to take on music as a career. I’m humbled and appreciative that anyone would consider me the next anything, because that means my music is getting out there and people are loving it.

Are there any musicians that you would love to collaborate with?

Of course! I’d love to do some work with Sean Paul because his album Dutty Rock has been my favourite since high school. I’d also love to collaborate with Cecile, Richie Loop, Busy Signal, I-Octane and many others.

Which of your songs did you have most fun doing?

I had the most fun doing Supergirl because I was in studio with Jeremy and the vibe was really relaxed and fun. We wrote and recorded that song in one day.

What would you say is the best decision you have made in your life thus far and do you have any regrets?

I’d definitely have to say teaming up with my manager, Jade Lee, was wonderful. She has been nothing short of amazing. I don’t think I have any regrets.

For a first timer in shooting a video, Summer Love was fairly picturesque.How did you manage to achieve it?

Well, I had to put in some overtime so as to attain certain essentials. The video was a success and I was elated.

What are your other achievements?

I have achieved so much thanks to the love from Jamaicans. I was nominated for Best New Artiste in the Youth View Awards last year, for Breakout Video of the Year on Carivibez TV and for Best New Artiste in the Star People’s Choice Awards 2011, on top of winning the EME this month.

You’ve involved yourself with branding. How much have you done so far?

I worked with Yahdie Conscious clothing line. It’s a great brand founded by Jami Spence and Jaye O’Connor — two very talented and creative girls — and I’m happy I got to be a part of that. I am also endorsed by Caribbean’s largest telecommunications company, LIME, which has given me a lot of exposure. I’m doing music fulltime at the moment.

Are you dating?

Currently I am single and hopefully, I’ll find Mr Right (smiles).

What’s your message to your Kenyan fans?

I am so in love with Kenya. Beautiful country, beautiful people and I can’t wait to be with all of you on April 16. It’s a dream come true. I embrace the love you give and I promise I won’t let you down.

How much do you know about Kenya and our music industry?

I don’t know everything – I can safely say that. But I do know that Kenya is rich in culture and that’s something I’m very excited to experience. It’s diverse and beautiful.

What can the Kenyan fans expect from you when come over for the show next month?

An unforgettable presence.

Tell us something about your background.

I am from a mixed ethnic background — predominantly Indian and black. I am the last of four children. My parents work for corporate Jamaica and my siblings are doing quite well. I have two sisters and one brother, whom I am closest to. I also have four nephews and two nieces who I just can’t get enough of.