Zhayna steps into the spotlight

Former background vocalist turned front-and-centre performer, Zhayna, is confidently charting her path in music with a fresh reggae fusion sound while embracing the spotlight as a solo artiste.

Having toured with reggae heavyweights like Chronixx, Koffee, and Etana, Zhayna says always had her heart set on a solo career.

"Even while touring with [these artistes] my dream was always to be a solo artiste so I kept working towards that - taking experiences from these different things like touring and other [experiences] and put that into my own craft and here I am now as 'Zahyna the artiste,'" she told THE WEEKEND STAR.

The soulful singer, who has also lent her voice to projects by Canadian R&B star Daniel Caesar and international dancehall icons Shaggy and Spice, says she still offers background vocals on a selective basis.

"I'm grateful for every experience garnered," she added.

Her musical palette is wide, influenced by genres such as jazz, R&B, and neo-soul. Yet, reggae remains the anchor of her artistry - infused with a modern twist and shaped by global sounds. Drawing inspiration from pop queens like Beyonce and Britney Spears, Zhayna says her mission is more than just vibes.

"I'm more conscious with a more positive vibe. Yes, I love the dancing and di vibes and all a dat but I also feel like I should bring a positive and conscious message. The fact that I got this gift, I feel I need to do something purposeful with it," said the Holy Childhood High alumna.

Raised in Stony Hill, St Andrew, Zhayna developed a close bond with nature. Her childhood was filled with visits to the river where she strummed her guitar and sing as she honed her talent.

"My mother said from the day I was born the first thing I did was sing, I didn't talk first," she laughed. "So it was expected, people saw the talent so the reactions to me pursing a solo career was more like 'Congratulations' so the support and reception was really good and my family is really supportive," she said.

Zhayna launched her professional journey in 2012 with her debut single Runaway, which she said was "well-received" by her supporters. Since then, she has been refining her craft, gaining confidence with every stage appearance.

Fresh off a European tour with reggae veterans Lutan Fyah and Jah Mason, Zhayna described the experience as a major milestone.

"The tour was amazing, they really rocked with the vibe and it was such a unique combination among [the three of us]. With me being a young female among these veterans, people were anticipating what I was gonna come with because these were like roots-reggae veterans with this fresh new young singer who's not really roots-reggae but they appreciated that difference, while appreciating the fact that there are some similarities," she said.

Zhayna credits her development in part to her time with the ASHE dance group, where she honed her performance skills and vocal training.

" I was always a great performer and a great singer, but once I joined ASHE it was a different energy and with the vocal training and acting, I'd say, I'm well-rounded and because of that, it makes me a great artiste overall," she said.

She also praised Lutan Fyah and Jah Mason for sharing wisdom that helped elevate her stage presence. Even as she is steadily builds her name as a force to be reckoned with, Zhayna considers it important to remain grounded and true to herself. At the same time she determined to use music to spread love throughout the world.

"For me, it's about connecting with people than anything else. Growing up, I found it hard at a certain age to connect with people and I felt the only way I could only genuinely connect, is through music. When I sing, I feel like I'm the realest version of myself ... and I'm able to connect more with the emotions that are coming out and that's really important in today's world where we seem so separated and all about self. So I'm like, 'What about the love between two human beings?' I feel like we've forgotten how to connect as people and I believe that's my purpose to bring that back," she shared.