Tiana makes it big in just two years

(via Jamaica Observer)

In a mere two years, Tiana has lifted her career from budding dancehall/reggae talent to internationally recognised artiste, mainly on the basis of her smash hit single No Man Can't Talk Bad Bout Mi.

The tune, which was produced by D&H and Konshens' SubkonShus Label, has racked up several number one spots, most notably on the CVM Hitlist Video Countdown Chart, and, for three weeks, on Wave Radio's Starlight Saturdays Top Ten Countdown in Belize.

The success of the female anthem has given her household-name status, not only in Jamaica and Belize, but also in Gambia, Kenya, France, Italy, Germany, Barbados, Trinidad, the United Kingdom, as well as several states in the US such as Florida and New York.

"Belize is now the official home for Tiana's music," a news release from the singer's management quotes KREM TV/radio personality Linda Blease. "Tiana's songs are rocking the radio, house parties and clubs. Also, I must tell you the guys are going crazy for Tiana."

Following on the success of No Man Can't Talk Bad Bout Mi, she hit the charts in Belize again with her No Ring Pon Me Finger climbing to the Number 3 spot, her management revealed.

"It's a joy to be back on the charts in Belize. It's a greet feeling to know that the music is being loved by others around the world," said Tiana, whose fan base has been growing tremendously in Australia and Denmark, according to her manager, Carlington Wilmot, founder and principal of the OutAroad Production label.

It was Wilmot who, in 2009, first recorded the Mary Mount High School and University of the West Indies graduate by producing her debut single I Won't.

The number, they said, was inspired by the domestic violence case involving mega R&B stars Chris Brown and Rihanna.

In the catchy tune, Tiana tackles the issue of domestic violence faced by many women, reminding us that violence against women is unconscionable.

A few months later, Tiana voiced her second single called You Want Me in collaboration with the True Love hit maker Delus (brother of Konshens). However, she got her first chart topper when she invited dancer-turned-pop artiste Chi Ching Ching to join her on the single Skippin Feelin, which was also produced by Wilmot who wore the director's cap for the accompanying video.

Both the video and single, he said, occupied pole position and top 10 placements locally and internationally.

From there on, the rest was history as Tiana finally began to feel what it's like to live her dream of becoming a star.

Her obvious talent, supported by solid management, earned her a performing contract that same year on Sting, regarded as the greatest one-night show on earth.

Her next major performance was at the annual Spring Break in Negril where she opened for Platinum recording artiste Shaggy and Elephant Man with a short but energetic set.

She was also featured on the Portland leg of the Magnum Ten Long, Ten Strong Stage Show road tour.

Between 2009 and 2010 Tiana voiced several projects and joined big-name acts Vybz Kartel, G Whizz, Charly Blacks and Black Ryno on the Glory Rhythm produced by Cashflow, her contribution being Inna 2010, which gained popularity in Gambia, The Bahamas and the UK.

Her next production was More Money, voiced on the Romeich Records Stage Mix-produced rhythm, which also features dancehall heavyweights Beenie Man, Mavado, Cobra and TOK.

Tiana also had a winner with Dat Mi Want on the Flirtation rhythm, which also hosts top acts Vybz Kartel and Konshens.

The St Mary-born artiste said she believes the key to being successful in the male-dominated music industry is to work twice as hard, stay focused, believe in what you are doing and, most importantly, having a good manager.

"I see myself being one of, if not the first female artiste to close Sting or Sumfest," she said.

Tiana said she is inspired by Rihanna, Beenie Man, Lady Gaga and, of course Lady Saw, who is also from St Mary.

The young singer's whirlwind two years in the music industry have seen her being nominated in the Breakthrough Artiste of The Year category of the EME Awards; and the Best Video By A Female Artiste category at the New York-based Web TV CariVibez awards for No Man Can't Talk Bad Bout Mi.

According to the EME Awards website, the Breakthrough Artiste of The Year recognises the artiste whose work has attracted local and international attention, and who is considered poised as a leader for the next generation of reggae/dancehall stars.