Beauty queen Ria Rania looks to reign in dancehall

Musician, singer, songwriter, actress and model, Ria Rania, believes her true gift is speaking for others, especially young girls, who don't feel like they have a voice.

And because of this, she hung up her crown and sash to focus on queening as a dancehall artiste. Born in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, Ria Rania told STAR On The Rise, "I became a recording artiste because I always had a passion for the music industry."

Songwriting, she said, stood by her even when she reigned as Miss Jamaica Diaspora back in 2017 and entered the Miss Universe Jamaica competition the following year. After winning two sectional prizes, the accountant and entrepreneur shifted her beauty vision to pursue her first love.

Her musical inspirations while growing up include legends like Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Toni Braxton, The Isley Brothers, all of the soul era. As for the 'new generation', she admires popular recording artistes like Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Beyonce and Keyshia Cole. Describing her sound as unique, versatile, captivating and sexy, especially when she explores pop songs, she taps into her gangster female side as a rapper and singjay. A boss chick in many respects, Ria Raina is very down to earth and business-oriented when it comes to her career.

Since 2019, she has dropped 20 songs, along with an EP, and the feedback has been great.

"I'm very proud of the milestone so far. Many people are surprised because of my start in pageantry, but so far, so good," she said. Self-motivated, she explained that her career didn't take a back seat during the global pandemic because she was in the 'lockdown zone' prior to 2020. The only difference she has experienced is not being able to touch the stage and perform in front of her growing fan base. But she has been loving the opportunity to put her songwriting skills to the test.

Her singles Mills (released in 2020) and No vs Yes (released this year), both produced by Russell Records, speak about making money and taking the biggest chance of all, on herself.

The tracks celebrate her Jamaican heritage, as opposed to Boss Up and Or Nah, which showcase a hip hop influence. Ria Raina is all too excited to be exploring her creative mind on a musical platform, and is happy for the support from persons showing love and respect for her craft. She is not looking for a perfect ride to the top. She is learning all the lessons and taking the wins one step at a time.

"In the next couple of years, I hope that my music will become an international language. I hope to be hitting the charts and really making an impact," she added.