By Kevin Jackson–
Observer writer—
Tania “Chyna Nicole” Sutherland —
WHEN singer/producer Tania “Chyna Nicole” Sutherland came up with the idea of a compilation album, she thought it would be cool to have an all-female cast.
Chyna Nicole, who once worked as a radio disc jockey in Jamaica and overseas, produced Queens in The Arena, which was released last Friday.
“With the lack of albums featuring only females, it dawned on me last summer; ‘why not help others while helping myself?’ To give is to receive, so I immediately got support in terms of the production,” she said in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.
She continued: “I needed the break in music 20 years ago and I didn’t get the support. Some of the women on the album are seasoned artistes who also share the same dream, while others have been more recognised, but still could obtain more bright lights over their stardom. I want to send the message that females can unite in reggae, just like back in the days. We can unite, do great work and empower each other.”
Queens in The Arena features 13 songs on the Kemet rhythm. The project is released by Nico Star Music while Universal Music’s Spinnup label handles distribution.
Some of the songs featured are 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 and Be Alright by Dionne Reid.
Gary Sutherland mixed and mastered the songs with Mark Clarke and veteran keyboardist Ansel Collins credited as musicians.
“I was very hands-on as if it were my own solo album. Gary was so inspiring through this process and gave me solid advice and suggestions throughout,” said Chyna Nicole who was born to Jamaican parents in New York.
She got into music in the early 1990’s and has released several songs and two albums.Two of her better-known songs are Movie Star and Hardcore Love.
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