Zhayna France stepping out solo

The golden couch heated up as Zhayna France thrilled online viewers with her vocals and ‘80s-inspired ensemble for the third episode of the Harry J Live Couch Series. The 25-year-old Kingston native, who has been providing backup vocals for reggae Grammy winner Koffee, noted that stepping out to do solo projects is part of her growth plan as she has dreamed of being a performer since her early years participating in local Festival performances with her primary school.

GIVING IT HER ALL

“As far as I can remember, I have wanted to sing. From JCDC Festivals to performing with my high school (Holy Childhood High) on TVJ’s All Together Sing programme, I knew I was destined to be onstage, so I have been strategic in trying to give of my best every time I am given a microphone and a platform to share my talent,” said France as she blushed at the great reviews she has been receiving from her peers on YouTube and on social media.

“As a music student at Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, I have learned a lot about giving my all in every performance, and though I have chosen to take a break because of the opportunity I received to work with Koffee, I plan to continue honing my craft as a performer as I chart my own path as an artiste,” she continued.

Her couch series performance began with a cover of H.E.R.’s Best Part, which she sang with keyboard player Jordan Williams. She gave a taste of her own style as she infused an original song, Baby I Love the Way. Her 14-minute performance also included Marcia Griffiths’ cover of the Beatles song Don’t Let Me Down, which Griffiths recorded at the Harry J Recording Studio in the 1970s. Zhayna capped off the performance with a passionate rendition of the song Slow Down by Skip Marley and H.E.R.

“I felt so grateful when I got the opportunity to be a part of what the Harry J Live Couch Series is trying to achieve, which is providing an avenue for young talent like myself to develop, especially at a time when physical performances are not happening, so I completely immersed myself in the moment,” said Zhayna.

HONING HER CRAFT

She lamented the limited opportunities that young artistes have to showcase their talent locally. With the advent of COVID-19, there has been a halt in live performances, so she has used this time to write songs, get in tune with her music style, and enjoy one of her favourite hobbies: going to the river.

She encouraged young artistes to be hopeful, believe in their talent, and seek out opportunities to hone their craft as she thanked music executives like Tara Johnson and the team at Harry J Recording Studio for creating a platform for young musicians to deal with the challenges that COVID-19 has presented in the industry by giving them an outlet to perform.