With February observed as Reggae Month, singer and producer Tania Nicole Sutherland, better known as Chyna Nicole, decided it was appropriate to release the all-female reggae album Queens in the Arena. The 13-track various-artistes compilation is scheduled to be released tomorrow on all digital platforms.
With a blend of female voices drawn from Jamaica, the United Kingdom, Canada and Jamaicans based in the United States, Sutherland wanted a project that would empower women in unity.
FEATURED TRACKS
It features: It Takes One by Nadine Sutherland; What Yu Gon Do by Pam Hall: This Yah Route by Lady Ann: Amazing by Chyna Nicole; Back to Destiny by Vonnii; Be Alright by Dionne Reid; Missing You by Helen Rogers; Me Too by Dionne Blaize; Tough Like a Diamond by Novel-T; Nah Go Follow by Empress Priscilla; Tell Me by Lisay; People of the World by Isafire and Beauty For Ashes by Michibella.
“Last summer, Gary Sutherland approached me with some riddims – the focus was for me to write and sing a banging song. As I have studied the Reggae scene, especially female artistes, I noticed that there were no various artistes albums with strictly females. Coupled with my own personal story – the difficulty of getting support or “get pon a riddim,” its similar to many women in music. Then the educator side of me sparked, why not invite as many female artistes – accomplished and those who just needed a break, to contribute to an all-female album? This project is to send a message that women can empower women in unity,” Chyna explained.
She continued, “I am honoured to have completed this, my very first various-artistes female album, and it is beyond fulfilling. I feel this will send a message to both indie labels and major companies to release, book, and develop careers of more female artistes in Reggae. I believe it will start a current positively and I am happy Jah used me as to shed more light on the shining stars.”
The album’s lyrical component is diverse focusing on a variety of subject matters. “It is so diverse and so creative! Hot topics range from unity and giving thanks, to seduction, to adoration of an amazing love, to the #metoo movement, to being relentless in life’s battle, to uplifting and inspiring the world with the belief that God will see you through any obstacle,” she explained.
Born in New York to Jamaican parents, Chyna Nicole began her musical journey in 1994 with the release of the songs Love Me Tenderly and Last Night, both of which were produced by her father Carl Williams’ Little C label. She has released two solo albums, namely, 20 years in the making and Ready for the world, and Higher.
Her single Hardcore Love charted on the UK World Reggae Beat chart, and Movie Star Love charted on Reverbnation.
Chyna, who attended Howard University, the University of New Haven in Connecticut, and Southern Connecticut State University, was among the early presenters of ZIP 103 FM in 2002. She then moved on to Mega Jamz 98 FM and Irie FM. Upon her return to New York, she did stints with 93.5 FM and Linkage Radio.
All the songs are featured on the Kemet riddim. The project is being released by Nico Star Music and is distributed by the Universal Music owned independent label Spinnup.
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