The Debut Issue
EXCLUSIVE
Tessanne Chin The Best Tess
+
Featured Fashion Designers Carmichael Byfield Christian Boucaud Rebecca Stirm + more
Photographer
of the month Dwight Montgomery
Celebrity Make Up Artist:
Loni Jones
FASHION understood
www.kerrymanwomanhome.com 18 South Ave, Kingston 10 Jamaica. Tel: (876)929-2096
Editor’s Note
N
irvana, a place or state characterized by freedom from or oblivion to pain, worry, and the external world. Nirvana is a Caribbean fashion magazine that will highlight the works of Caribbean people in the fashion industry no matter where in the world they are. Our aim is to reach viewers around the world with each of our publications.
We chose this name because this magazine will be a place where readers can be free from all the everyday restraints of life and become one with fashion. We aim to inspire the young and the old who have always wanted to get involved in fashion but has never gotten the chance to do so and with our publications that will become a possibility for them. Our style is 100% original and our focus is 100% Caribbean. I also want to extend a big thank you to all those who were instrumental in making this happen. Special thanks to my team, Kibwe McGann, who opened so many doors for this project, Kerry Ann Clarke, Tessanne Chin and Nick Saglimbeni for always saying “hey, do it because you love it and not because you want to make money”. Without all your help this would not have been possible.
Londie D. Murray Creative Director
Nirvana Production Team Editor-in-Chief / Creative Director Londie D. Murray Director of Photography Richard Munro Editor Shantelle Spence Marketing & Business Director Khadine Carty
4 | N i rvana M ag a zi n e
Art & Design Director Michael “Koncept” Jones
Proof Editor Shari Kelly
Graphic Designer Reuel Jones
Contributing Photographers Mike Jones Dwight Montgomery Jason Bassett Jeashel Strijk Kim Sanders Jaryd Niles-Morris Logan Thomas Damian Solano Stuart Smellie
Beauty Editor Loni Jones Feature Editor Shanoy Coombs
56 MAIN
FEATURE
Tessanne Chin
Contents Loni Jones Column
08
Featured Male Model Kerry White > 10
Photographer Of The Month Dwight Montgomery
Fashion Designer Feature Carmichael Byfield Rebecca Stirm > 22 Christian Boucaud > 30
12 18 - 35
kesia Estwick > 36
Photographers Kevon Richardson | 35 Jason Bassett | 43
Model Of The Month Alyssa Wells Interview
54
L oni Jones Column Make-UP Tips & Tricks
W
ith spring ending I’m
simple looks to try for the everyday
the cheeks, bronze this summer is the
excited to see the
gal. This will make your makeup
way. My absolute favorite bronzer is
brilliance and boldness in
looks for this summer more exciting.
by NARS – Laguna. If you plan to go
the beauty trends for summer! Makeup trends this summer will have us splashing in color, shiny in metallics, beautifully nude, grunge
1
with metal eyes I suggest this for the Go for color on lips. Reds, pinks,
night out with your gal pals. Try: Stila
oranges are fail proof. Sometimes
– Night Sky from the ‘In The Light’
a brilliant lip color is all you need. Top
sexy and doing throw back looks
that off with your warm
from your mother’s childhood years
smile and you’ve made
topped off with bold lashes that make
someone’s day! Try: NARS
lash batting sexier than your LBD
– Schiap, MAC – Ruby
(little black dress)
Woo, MAC – Bright Orange
Lip Mix.
Being a makeup artist I love
ALL looks. I know that what works on the runway may not work for everyday wear so I’ve put together
8 | N i rvana M ag a zi n e
2
Silvers, golds and bronze are very sexy
especially on the eyes. For
palette. The palette color selection is a great buy too ;)
3
Nude says it all... Bare faced, in the buff, au
naturel! Your skin will literally breathe a sigh of relief.
4
Grunge spells browns, deep purples blues and
black. Go dark on the lips, on
the eyes or both! I recently fell in love with Cyber by MAC
5
Cut crease lids, soft winged top liners and full brows is our 60’s
trend. For top linertry Inglots Liner pot in black. They last ALL day!
6
This summer, lashes are full and lengthy. I’ve been stuck on Katy
Perry lashes. She has a fun selection perfect for anyone, they look and feel great and adhesive is included!
Go forth and be beautiful my children!
Loni Jones
Professional Makeup Artist
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Modeled by
Kerry White Photographed by
Jason Bassett 10 | N i r vana M ag a zi n e
RATED
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FAMILY FRIENDLY CONTENT
Jamaican Dollars
See the show at
Showtimes
THE BONGO BAND ARE BACK. THE No-Maddz ARE A HIT IN THEIR NEW MUST SEE MUSICAL or should we say “DUBICAL”
DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND NOW OPEN UNTIL: June 30th
PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE MONTH An Interview with
Dwight Montgomery
Tell us a little about you?
and ran track under coach Glen Mills.
played soccer for both schools. In
I was born in east Kingston and
I migrated to New York in 1979 to
1985 I joined the United States Marine
attended Franklin Town Primary
attend college. I attended Borough of
Corps and served four years.
and Camperdown High Schools. At
Manhattan Community College and
Camperdown, I played Colts football
later City College on New York. Also
12 | N i r va n a M a g a z i n e
Where is home?
equipment and load and unload film
At the end of my Marine tour, I
backs. They were medium format
migrated to South Florida and have
(645) film camera and each roll of film
been here since.
was 15 exposures. We carried 2 or 3 backs at a time and I had to unload
What is your current state of
and reload each back while the main
mind before we continue this
photographer continue to shoot. I
interview?
eventually became one of the full
My state of mind changes on a daily
time photographers. After I left that
basis. However, I am happy to be
company, I continued to do wedding
healthy (as far as I know), feeling
and portrait photograph as a part
no pain and not on any kind of
time business. In 2011, my full time
medication. My family is also healthy
job was terminated and outsourced to
so I have to give thanks for that.
India. I immediately launched my full time photography business.
Why photography and is this what you went to school
What got you started in
for?
Fashion Photography?
While in Borough of Manhattan
When I went full time, I had a lot of
Community College, I became
“dead” time during the weekdays
interested in joining their
so I started doing test shoots with
photography club. It was an
models. The truth is that fashion
opportunity to learn how to shoot
photography was actually my first
and process Black and white film and
love while residing in New York.
photograph around this exciting and
However, I did not know fashion
new city. I was hooked from day one.
and felt like the industry was kind of
This was sometime around 1980. I
“closed”. You had to know someone
bought my first camera, a Pentax
to work. Plus there weren’t many
K1000, and it was an instant love
black fashion photographers around.
affair. Since then I have always owned
So, although I am still learning, I feel
a 35mm camera and always took
as if my fashion work has progressed
pictures. I actually was a Bio major in
beautifully. I still excel at wedding
the Pre Med program at City College.
and portrait work.
How long has photography
How would you describe your
been your career?
style?
Sometime about 1991, I heard that
I am still trying to define my style.
some local wedding photographers
However, I try to keep all of my
were looking for photography
fashion work very clean and strive
assistants. I interviewed and was
for magazine quality work on every
accepted. I shot with them for
shoot.
about two years, starting out as just someone who helped to move around
N i r va n a M a g a z i n e | 13
How many photo shoots do
events as my income staple.
you average per year?
I choose photographers for
In the last year, I have been shooting
If you were stranded on an island
these interviews because
models at a rate of about 3 shoots
and was told you could only have
their work inspires me and
per week. Some of these shoots are
a camera & one lens, what would
gets my creative juices
fully produced with a MUA and stylist
those be?
flowing, hence the interview.
but others are less structured and
I am a Nikon guy so I will say the
What gives you ideas and
designed to evaluate models.
Nikon D4 and the 70-20mm f/2.8. I
inspires you to create such
would probably be just as happy with
amazing imagery?
Tell us some of the projects
the Canon 1Dx and the 70-200 f/2.8.
I love the level and quality of work
you’ve worked on outside of
If I were limited to gear that I already
in Vogue, Elle and W magazines.
your fashion portfolio.
have, I would say the Nikon D3 and
They inspire me to reach higher. I
I shoot weddings, parties and various
the 85mm f/1.4D.
also draw inspiration from some of
the great photographers of our time,
What advice can you offer
love of your life?
like Helmet Newton, Hiro, Arnold
to Nirvana Magazine going
My kids and family are my rock. They
Newman, Irvin Penn, Annie Leibovitz,
forward?
make life important.
Bruce Weber, Pete Turner, Richard
Dare to be different, stay current,
Avedon, Patrick Demarchelier, Monte
stay cutting edge, feature various
What would you like to be
Zucker and my all time favorite, the
photographic styles and stay away
doing 2 years from now?
master of Black and white, Ansel
from being a magazine that only
I would love to be a staff
Adams. Of course I am influenced by
features half naked or light skinned
photographer for Vogue or a
a lot of current photographers from
women. Sex sells but too much
magazine of similar caliber.
all over the world there are too many
cheapens your value.
to mention. What or who is the greatest 14 | N i r va n a M a g a z i n e
Interview by Dwayne M.
N i r va n a M ag a z i n e | 15
1 WEEKEND
2 DAYS OF SHOPPING
3 FASHIONABLE EVENTS
JULY 10-12 2013 JAMAICA
MICHAEL COSTELLO
KORTO MOMOLU
LUBICA
CLAUDIA PEGUS
DEXTER HUXTABLE
AYANNA DIXON
http://www.thecollectionmoda.com
Fashion Designer Feature
Carmichael Byfield
Biography of designer
Carmicheal Byfield
C
armichael Byfield was born
described as discreet and elegant
October 18, 1975 in Kingston
with a clever detailing and a sporty
Jamaica. In 2008 He
touch. Simple sophistication is
migrated to The Netherlands, where
archived with light, flowing fabrics
he found his passion for designing
layered into asymmetric. Forms and
mens clothes. He spent most of his
often drapes directly on the body.
time (drawing, creating images and
combining fabrics) which eventually
The Netherlnds using highly quality
led him to enroll into a fashion
materials from The (Netherlands,
school.
Belgium and Germany). He Is
In 2011 Carmicheal began
currently working feverously to
freelancing as a self motivated
present his collections twice yearly.
Production is undertaken in
designer while studying fashion in The Netherlands. Byfield’s style is
N i r va n a M ag a z i n e | 19
Models: Mustapha Aharouay, Fabian Von Gelder, Michael de Groot MUA: Ed Krijgsman Designer: Carmicheal Byfield || House Of Byfield Photographer: Kim Sanders || Kisa Photography
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Models: Yusuf Su, Mustapha Aharouay, Michael de Groot MUAH: Ed Krijgsman Designer: Carmicheal Byfield || House Of Byfield Photographer: Kim Sanders || Kisa Photography
Models: Mustapha Aharouay, Michael de Groot, Fabian Von Gelder MUA: Ed Krijgsman Designer: Carmicheal Byfield || House Of Byfield Photographer: Kim Sanders || Kisa Photography
A World of Classical Designs With Inspiring Innovation Fashion Label of Designer Carmichael Byfield. www.houseofbyfield.com
N i r vana M ag a zi n e | 21
Chantae Guy
Miss World Belize 2012
Fashion Designer Feature
The Artistic Soul of
Rebecca Stirm
R
ebecca Stirm has always had the
to portray, express, and compliment
The world was introduced
soul of an artist. In her youth
the beauty in the world around us,
to the eclectic style of Rebecca
she experimented with visual
and also the beauty in each individual
in the second Season of Mission
and performing arts, even teaching
woman that a designer dresses”.
Catwalk which aired last year. In
dance as a teen. Yet now she is one
After a summer semester at the Art
the competition she won the most
of Belize and the Caribbean’s rising
Institute of Vancouver (Canada) in
challenges (4 of 12) and finally placed
stars in the field of Fashion Design.
2011 she decided that Fashion, not
3rd overall. Rebecca says that she
This young talent, only 20 years old,
Ballet dance, was to be her future.
learned “to take from concept to
says that Fashion is one of the “ways
Lucky for us!
reality in only a few hours” and that
22 | N i rvana M ag a zi n e
her artistic soul will have her at home
to stay on my toes, work quickly, see
playing her guitar, painting water
the bigger picture in a design and not
colours or even swimming in the
get lost in details.” Mission Catwalk
creek next to her house. Rebecca’s
was a MAJOR publicity booster and
plans are to increase sales to the
she has recently released her Spring/
online market and open her own
Summer Collection 2013, Garden at
retail spot in the next two years and
Midnight, available for purchase on
we at Nirvana think that she is well on
her website rebeccastirmclothing.
her way is to achieving this goal. Be
com. “Making beautiful things and
sure to find Rebecca online and tell
helping women feel beautiful in their
her we sent you to show her some
clothing. It’s really what fashion is all
love!
about –beauty”. With a mantra like it’s no wonder why women love her clothing! The best advice she gives
"
so much of the design process lies in the actual construction and handson creation of the garment
"
the competition, “really taught me
to aspiring fashion designers is to sew because “so much of the design process lies in the actual construction and hands-on creation of the garment.” She has certainly lived this advice! The largely selftaught designer, who actually prefers constructing a garment to sketching one, started making her own clothes at age 11. Her favourite designers are Lela Rose, Miuccia Prada (Miu Miu), and Diane von Fürstenberg. While these designers are known for their high fashion runway pieces, do not for one second think that Rebecca isn’t down to earth. When not designing,
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IF YOU CAN IMAGINE IT WE CAN CREATE IT! enquiry@diamondthoughts.co.uk www.diamondthoughts.co.uk +44 (0) 20 8364 8202
Fashion Designer Feature
Christian Boucaud
THe Interview
A
fashion designer who is shy,
CB: “Getting fabrics, a variety of
LM: A shy fashion designer is a new
has a passion for partying,
fabric is difficult in our island. There
one for me! It’s fair to say now that
catching up on movies,
isn’t much to choose from so I am
you are a big deal?
politics and international relations
exploring other avenues. Also,
is a very rare find. This top notch
patenting my designs is a major
CB: “Hmmm, let’s see. Currently my
Trinidadian designer sits down with
problem as well as trade.”
clothing is sold in Japan and NY. I
the Nirvana Magazine Team to answer
want to expand Christian Boucaud LM: Who are some of your favorite
Designs to other Caribbean Islands
designers?
and other countries.”
Where are you from? Educational
CB: “Some of my favorite designers
LM: Clever answer. What matters to
Background?
include Mara Hoffman, Etro, Dolce
you most as a fashion designer?
some of the questions we had to ask. LM: Tell me a little about yourself.
and Gabbana and Stella Jean.” CB: “My name is Christian Boucaud
CB: “Designing must come from the LM: Where do you get your
village named Caigual located in
inspiration?
Sangre Grande, Trinidad and Tobago. My grandparents played a vital role
CB: “My inspiration comes from
in my upbringing and as a result
everywhere. I did a dedication to my
their opinion mattered to me. My
late clothing and textiles teacher in
mother wanted me to be a designer
2008. In 2009, I did a collection based
so I was named after Christian Dior.
on poetry, so there isn’t one particular
My grandparents on the other
place I can get inspiration.”
hand, wanted me to be a teacher. To satisfy both my grandparents’
LM: What is your favorite part about
and my mother’s dream I pursued
conceptualizing a design?
a BSc. in Sociology with a minor
heart. I am not going to sugar coat
"
My inspiration comes from everywhere.
"
and I grew up in a small agricultural
in International Relations. I taught
CB: “Conceptualizing a design and
English, Sociology and History at
bringing it to life is what makes
secondary school for seven years
designing exciting for me. I am
it. It is long hours, sleepless nights
before becoming a full time designer,
usually anxious to see what the final
and hard work…minus the glitz
a decision I am yet to regret. I feel like
design looks like. Sometimes it is not
and glamour. It is something that
I am living my dream and I am where
what I envisioned and I have to go
you have to be passionate about. A
I want to be. I am self-taught designer
back to the drawing board to rework
designer once told me “it is a nasty
who believes designing is my destiny.
the design into perfection.”
cut throat industry and you must be
(I have tried teaching and law but always come back to designing).”
a fighter”. This by all means is also LM: Tell me one thing people really
true!”
don’t know about you. LM: What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a designer?
LM: I enjoyed our chat but leaving CB: “I am very shy.”
here, where can readers and interested shoppers find you and your
N i r va n a M ag a z i n e | 31
designs? CB: “Our website is currently under reconstruction to cater to international clients, but for now you can find us on Facebook at Chrisian Boucaud Designs, on Twitter @CFBDesigns and on Instagram @ CFBDesigns. If you are in Trinidad Model: Model: Kerra Kerra Denel Denel
then visit Christian Boucaud Designs, #13 Havelock Street, St. Clair, Port of
MUA: MUA: Solange Solange Richardson Richardson
Spain.�
Photographer: Photographer: Richard Richard Munro Munro
Model: Kerra Denel
Model: Asha Pundit
MUA: Solange Richardson
MUA: Shevon Brigham
Photographer: Richard Munro
Photographer: Richard Munro
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Model: Asha Pundit MUA: Shevon Brigham Photographer: Richard Munro
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Photographed by
Kevon Richardson
Fashion Designer Feature
Kesia Estwick
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“ My love and passion for what I do; it’s never a chore...”
A word with Kesia Who is Kesia Estwick?
Do you remember the first
garment I am creating; a simple dress
Kesia Estwick is a Barbadian country
piece of clothing you
could be done in a day while a more
girl with big dreams and aspirations
designed?
detailed piece could take several
Yes, it was a black cocktail dress I
days.
When did you get involved in
made for myself to wear to a fashion
fashion & why?
show that my class had been invited
What’s the fashion industry
I got into fashion at a very young age;
to. I was so proud of myself lol.
like in Barbados?
I remember trying to create wedding
Growing. It’s far from perfect but with
dresses out of bed sheets and cutting
What is it that inspires you to
every season people are becoming
socks to make outfits for my dolls.
get up every day and design?
more aware of the industry and more
I love the arts but my heart always
My love and passion for what I do; it’s
in tuned with the world of fashion.
leaned a little more towards fashion
never a chore. I always feel a burning
We still have a long way to go but I
so around 16 when while applying
need to create and to better my craft.
can see the progress.
for college I decided to make fashion design my career choice and never
How long does it usually
looked back since.
take you to construct a piece? Well this depends on the type of
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Where do you see yourself 5
be doing Culinary Arts.
years from now? Paris, Milan, New York… My
When not designing what are
ultimate goal is to be recognized
your other hobbies?
internationally as a great designer. I
Cooking, catching up on my favorite
want the world to know and love my
TV shows, and heading to the beach
work as much as I do.
with my kindle.
What are some of the
Where can readers find out
projects/shows you have
more about you and your
coming up this year that we
work?
should look out for?
You can check out my Streetwear line
I don’t want to jinx anything lol. It’s a
here: www.wearkiss.com
habit of mine I never like to say until
Keep up to date with my designer line
the time is near so keep watching out!
here : www.kesiaestwick.com
What matters to you most as
What do you like and dislike
a fashion designer?
about designing clothes
My clients and customers, I want
I like the creative process, the
them to feel amazing when they wear
sketching and choosing colors and
any of my pieces. I want them to look
fabrics. I like the final product. The
in their mirrors and smile. If I can’t
construction…not so much lol I won’t
achieve that I’ve failed at my job.
lie I’m not in love with sewing.
What advice do you have for aspiring fashion designers? The road to success is a long and hard one; let your passion drive you. Never give up! How do you define your personal style? Even though it changes from time to time, it always has a consistent rockerchic vibe. So I guess we can call it that lol. Tell our readers one thing that they don’t know about you. I LOVE food; eating, cooking, trying new things. If I didn’t fall head over heels in love with fashion I’d probably
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Intyce Swimwear Photographer: Jason Bassett N i rvana M ag a zi n e | 43
JAMES R. LEE Bermudan Designer Photographer Mike Jones
Sherall N i rvana M ag a zi n e | 45
Cleo 4 6 | N i rvana M ag a zi n e
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Melissa Melissa, photographed by Mike Jones 4 8 | N i rvana M ag a zi n e
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Yuki 50 | N i rvana M ag a zi n e
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Sarafina 52 | N i rvana M ag a zi n e
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Model Of The
Month
Alyssa
Wells 1
First off, tell us how you were discovered and how your
modeling career started. I would be asked if I was a model everyday, so I did a photo shoot and one thing led to another.
2
How would you describe your personal style?
Comfortable. Shorts and a t-shirt. Minimal make-up.
3
What are some of the shows you’ve done?
Kingston Bridal Week, Wedding Spectacular, Ocean Style showcase.
4
Where are you now as it relates to your modeling career and where
do you want to be?
6
Tell of 5 things about you that we don’t know…besides the fact that
you say “wicked” for everything!
I am still a beginner, I am eager to learn
I hate jeans. I hardly ever wear them.
more. Where do all models want to be? I
I love steak, not a salad girl.
would love to walk for certain designers
When im not busy, I am sleeping.
and have the chance to work with certain
I don’t watch tv, I like to read.
photographers and make-up artist.
My favorite color is green
5
Sometimes the model industry gets a bad reputation with
7
Last one. Somebody is offering you a chance to do something you’ve
always wanted to do and you only have
the jealousy and ego encountered
5 seconds to choose, what would that
between models and agencies. Is
be?
this case true for you? How have you
Skydiving!
managed to tough it out and make good friends? Well, I am not signed to an agency. I try to maintain a good relationship with the models, photographers, designers and makeup artists I have worked with.
Interview By Londie Murray N i rvana M ag a zi n e | 55
Tessanne Chin An Exclusive Interview
own makeup to perfection.
picture is a
It’s our first time seeing the
direct reflection of
artiste in such an intimate space and it’s
who she is- down to earth,
like watching a girl at play- fun, quirky,
playful effervescent Tessanne
bubbly, one who is enjoying life and at
Chin: singer, songwriter and fashionable
best a laughing powerhouse.
Jamaican daughter.
Yet in the midst of all the play
Though you may best know her as the
she offers some serious insights. She
soulful powerhouse behind tunes such
er continuous peals of
has mentioned her husband a few times,
as ‘Someone Like you’ ‘Hideaway’ and
laughter are infectious; she
her dog, family and of course her music.
‘Messenger’- a cross between Roots,
eases into pose after pose,
She readily admits that she has shed
rocking Reggae and Rock- a unique, risky
gets feedback from her
her comfort clothes of fitted jeans and
fusion that has definitely paid off, this
stylist Kerry Ann Clarke and pal Yendi
sandals to don the glam fittings courtesy
headstrong Jamaican entertainer is so
Phillips then lets the playful energy flow.
of fashion designer, Lubica Slovak. She is
much more.
She is quite the comedian- giving jokes
very involved in the selection process for
At the heart of this 28 year old is her
between her outfit changes for this
accessories and the like- smiling through
penchant for deep thought and clear
magazine’s photoshoot and only getting
it all- being her- like no one else can.
sense of direction which is reflected in
serious enough when she applies her
We later discover that this candid
the kind of music she produces.
The Best Tess: Singer,
Songwriter fashionable Jamaican daughter!!
H
N i rvana M ag a zi n e | 57
Tessanne CHIN She readily admitted from the outset-“I’m
great people. The fact that they also
Now I can see the benefits and I did hate
the kind of artiste that has to be true to
cater to the arts is also something that
aspects of it but now that I am older I
myself” and this is her guiding principle.
I greatly appreciate.” She said.
can appreciate that it has broadened
As a child one of her most difficult
my scope in so many ways”
Tessanne as a child
periods was when the family migrated to
Coming from a ‘family of music’ (Her
England. At just age 11, she missed the
parents were both musicians and her
many familiarities of her island home. Yet
Passions apart from Music
sister Tami is also a singer/songwriter),
in retrospect, she noted that the move to
Though admitting that music is a part of
Tessanne developed
her- an extension of who
an early love for music
Tessanne is, when asked
and recounted that the
what other profession
moment it clicked that she
she would consider, she
actually had a passion was
got deeply thoughtful
from the age of 5 when
then replied: “I really
she sang at a rehearsal.
like animals and I really
She simultaneously
like kids so it would be
recounted very happy
something to do with
childhood memories
that. It bothers me to
growing up, attending
see a child who cannot
band practices- first with
defend themselves
her parents then later as
or others being cruel
an artiste. She laughed
towards them”. This may
as she remembered being
explain why her major
goofy with her 4 older
charitable involvement
siblings (2 brothers and
is with an organization
2 sisters) and without
that caters to the needs of
hesitation she noted, “I
children with disabilities.
was definitely a tomboy”.
Along with sister Tami, she
As for the role that her
works with the Angels of
formative years played
Love Jamaica Foundation
in shaping who she is
which looks after
today, Tessanne sings
chronically ill children
high praises for her alma
across the island.
mater St. Hugh’s Prep. of the values that were
Her musical Journey
passed on when she
As it relates to her musical
She passionately spoke
was a student and which are still a main
another country has contributed much to
journey, she colorfully described it as
feature at the institution. “The values
who she is as an artiste today.
one to self actualization-really deciding
at St. Hughes prep are reflected in
“England was heavily responsible
on what one wanted to do as an artiste
how confident the children are and
for me getting into the rock culture...
and being bold enough to stick with that
there is just this focus on not just the
Looking back it was a completely
route. On returning from the UK, she
importance of raising scholars but just
different life but now I can appreciate it.
was entered in the competition-Divas for
58 | N i rvana M ag a zi n e
Tessanne CHIN life, recorded a song that received good
how big reggae music is and still is in
reduce buildings to rubble and take the
radio play and reception, but again she
parts of the world that I’d never been
soul to heights previously undreamed
opined – “at the end of the day, it just
to before.”
of”*
was not me”.
And so all the experiences
And that voice is what she
She then laughingly recalled- “I
gained through her different exposures
describes as the definition of her musical
think a way of me rebelling, going
led to a point where she decided on a
styling-the love for exploration and
against the grain was me joining a
realizing the dream of a solo career.
experiment, the emotions conveyed,
rock band-Mile High but we had a
the lyrics and how they all come
wonderful time and lots of wonderful
what should have been a challenge
together. This is essentially what makes
experiences”.
worked to her advantage. At the time,
Tessane’s music different, yet relatable.
While performing as lead singer
a musical sound that was rock and soul
It is therefore no surprise that the
for Mile High, she also began touring
was a huge step outside of the box, but
soulful singer’s best music comes from
with Jimmy Cliff as his backup singer-
it also led to a local media writer noting
her periods of difficulty. During those
a period which she credits as an eye
“TESSANNE CHIN has a voice which can
periods she channels the negative
opener in her career. “Performing on tour was amazing! It was was like my college and university in one it was just a fantastic experience and eye opening to see that our Jamaican artistes were able to have such an effect on the world and to see
Being the musical risk taker,
“I really like animals and I really like kids so it would be something to do with that.”
energy from difficult periods into very positive, soul stirring renditions.
Of Family, Love and Marriage Without being prompted, the important role that family plays in her life is evident
N i rvana M ag a zi n e | 59
Tessanne CHIN
from the warmth in her voice as she
decided on solo careers.
adults”.
speaks about them. With a brother
As for the new and exciting world
For her music- the very extension
and sister in England and a brother in
of marriage, two years in, Tessanne’s level
of whom she is, Tessanne continues to
Colorado, she maintained that they
headed reply further speaks to depth of
work while taking the time to find out
utilize technology to bridge the distance
character. “Once you understand that
who she is as an artiste. So while she
and keep in touch. She also emotionally
marriage is something that you have
believes in deadlines, she passionately
to continuously work at it makes all the
notes “music is my life, music is just
difference. It has been an interesting
another extension of me and it has to
journey and has brought Cuffe and I
be true and I have to feel it so I’m taking
closer together and closer to God…We
the time to really find out who this girl is
have our good days and bad days, we
musically.”
are not perfect but that’s good enough
So in trying to balance life, music and
for us”
her many other passions, she animatedly
“Once you understand that marriage is something that you have to continuously work at it makes all the difference.”
What’s next for Tess?
stated “On one hand I want this dream, and I intend to fully conquer the world, but on the other hand I want to have
True to her passions, Tessanne is looking
a farm, be a mommy and feed my kids
towards the possibility of creating a
good homegrown food”.
Foundation to work with kids . Such a
And so she does it all being
foundation would look to harness the
her- the regular ‘boring’ girl who loves
talents of Jamaica’s future. She best
cooking, eating, watching movies,
described this when she says “We have
having a drink with friends; the girl
referred to her parents as super role
to finally realize that our children are
whose fashion style is simple, chic and
models in many different ways.
indeed the future, and that we need to
definitely comfortable. Yet when on
Of course, her sibling Tami is
start investing in their education and
stage she becomes sassy and confident,
near and dear and even with their love
to educate them in the arts as well- not
a musical explosion with lyrics penned
for each other and the many similarities,
just academics. We have so much talent
from the soul and delivered with raw
she indicates that lyrically they shine
in Jamaica that gets overlooked so I
emotions. It is then that she is truly at her
together in very different ways- this
would love to be able to do something
best- The very Best Tess.
being one of the main reasons they
to help our children become better
6 0 | N i rvana M ag a zi n e
Compiled by Shanoy Coombs
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