Tasha-Masha awaits big buss

Five months ago, St Ann native Tasha-gay 'Tasha-Masha' Solomon claimed the top prize in the Digicel Rising Stars competition after demonstrating impressive vocal control in her performances.

The cash prize of $1.5 million, Solomon says, was used to help with a few things for her family and has also been used to reinvest in her career and schooling, which she plans to start later this year.

"I am preparing myself for music school in September; I have applied to the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts to further my education in the field and improve my skill," Solomon told THE STAR in a recent interview.

But being part of the Digicel Rising Stars did not provide the aspiring singer with what she considers adequate exposure to the music industry.

"It is definitely a process; I thought it would have been easier to get the music out because of my participation in the competition, but it has been difficult," she said.

She is currently living in Kingston, eager to start her studies, and believes that school will provide more opportunity to interact with like-minded individuals and musicians and the whole music experience.

"The first time I entered a studio was last December. I actually never had that experience, but in the meantime I am getting booked to perform at events here and there," she said.

In January, second-place winner Odean 'Journey' Ricketts became lead singer for Grammy-nominated band Raging Fyah, which many called his 'big buss'.

Solomon applauds the achievements and said she would have done the same.

But, Solomon's manager, Jenneta Brown-Chin, said they are focusing on a solo career for Tasha.

"She has something special to offer and can get as far as Dalton and Tessanne did on the international scene by just working hard," she said.

Their promotional strategy has mainly incorporated performing for school and corporate functions, any event that can highlight Tasha's talent and connect her with the people.

Brown-Chin said, "She is struggling to find her niche market for the type of music that she would like to produce, that will capture the ears of a wide audience."

No original music has been released as, according to Brown-Chin, "as an artiste, she needs to find the right style or sound before releasing". However, she confirmed that Tasha is currently writing.