The Jamaica Star :: Entertainment :: Teena Tamara launches solo gospel career

Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

Teena Tamara - contributed

Teena Tamara has decided to launch a solo music career after leading a gospel group and being a backup singer.

The artiste, whose real name is Tamara James, says she has been part of groups at her church, Faith Cathedral Deliverance Centre, and was also the lead singer of a group called 'Forgiven', which was later renamed 'TNJ' to represent the members Nickie, Jackie and herself.

She has also done background vocals for Carlene Davis, Judy Mowatt and Junior Tucker on tours in Europe, United States and the Caribbean. Teena Tamara has worked with other artistes such as Prodigal Son, DJ Nicholas, Freddie McGregor, Luciano, Sly & Robbie, and George Nooks.

Valuable experiences

She says she gained valuable experiences from working with other established artistes. She lauded these persons for their ability to conduct interviews, market themselves as ministers and singers, follow intense rehearsal schedules and act professionally.

"I was helped a great deal. Growing up in the church, you are just within the four walls but being around them (other artistes), you see yourself as a professional. That experience was worth it and it would be nice for most ministers to have that journey so they can have that foundation," she told The Star.

Launch a solo career

While she enjoyed being part of 'TNJ', Teena Tamara says she decided to launch a solo career because she thought she had enough experience in music to succeed on her own.

The group parted ways in 2006 but Teena Tamara did not start working on her solo career seriously until February this year when she released her single I'm Good. Since its release, the single has been getting decent rotation on radio and television.

Spread the word of God

Teena Tamara says she is excited to spread the Word of God with her songs which are "fresh", contemporary and have a blend of different genres of music.

Next on her list of releases are In The Valley, Out In The Cold and Call On Jah. She says she listens to Out In The Cold on a daily basis because it inspires her and represents her experiences.

"It is very dear to me. Everybody has gone through a point where they are lonely, depressed and people don't think that you are excelling. I realised that things might look dim but, in time, things will work out for you," she said.

For now, she will continue to release singles and work on her upcoming debut album with Dwain 'Wiya' Campbell of the C-Sharp band as the main producer.

Although she has been getting calls to perform abroad, Teena Tamara says she wants to make her mark in Jamaica first.