'I believe in me' - Kimberly Nain paves her way to success

Garfene Grandison, Gleaner Writer

Kimberly Nain is fast becoming one of the most sought-after acts after just two performances - one in April and the other in May this year. The young singer is thrilling audiences with her powerful vocals, plus commanding and entertaining stage presence.

Born May 16, 1989, a sophomore law student and upcoming television host, she is already being compared to the likes of Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson, with a hint of Rihanna's style.

Now she is taking aim at the world with new singles produced by Trench Town Kgn 12 Music, Jus Eazy Productions and Yardcoore Productions.

The Gleaner: How long have you been in this field?

Kimberley Nain: About three-plus years. It has taken me a while to learn some areas of the business so as to develop my style and writing abilities. I was also in school, so I had to work around my time.

G:Where have you studied?

KN: 2001-2006, St Jago High; 2006-2009, The Mico University College (diploma in secondary science education); 2009-present, University of Technology (bachelor's in law).

G: Why this career path?

KN: Everything about my life surrounds the performing arts, whether in music, drama or dance (even though I'm no professional dancer, but I do love it). Both my parents have paved a path for me, with my fathers' experience in the Jamaican Folk singers and appearances in many plays, as well as my mother's journalism experience/skills and helpful critique of my stage presentation. It has moulded me to become highly interested in the field of entertainment. I have a love and passion for music and all other forms of art. I am also highly motivated to step further where education is concerned, which explains my path in the education system. I believe that with education comes knowledge and knowledge is power, no matter where life may take you. With education, you will and can maintain control in all given situations.

G: How was the process when you first started in this field?

KN: It started somewhat unexpectedly for me. I was 'discovered' through MySpace by a well-known producer, Sean Due, CEO of Goodthyme Click in New York. He has worked with many big names: Jay-Z, Jadakiss and Alicia Keys, just to name a few. Through him, I was linked to Anchor Studio, where I laid down my first track, Angel, on the 2008 'Heavenly rhythm'. It was the first time writing my own song, and professionally, recording a song.

Ever since, I've worked with many different studios and producers and did a lot of networking. I was a bit unsure of many things since I was new to the business. Over the first two years in the business, I slowly learnt how the business functioned on the job. The business cannot be learnt from a book, based on what I've come to realise, it is one you need to observe for yourself to fully comprehend and manipulate it. It was what I had to do.

Nothing is served on a plate for you. You have to go in search of your food before you can begin cooking dinner.

G: What are you currently doing to further develop your ambitions for your career path?

KN: I thought to do a bachelor's in law because I am big on acquiring a degree. Personally, tertiary education is something I highly believe in. It is tough and can be difficult, depending on the course of study, but my decision is and has always been to challenge myself. I will and can do anything I put my mind to. As confident as I am about my music, I believe the acquisition of tertiary education is a plus to any direction in business. My choice to do law comes with the fact that I am interested in understanding the business behind the production of music - law is intertwined in everything, and so I believe will be a pushing factor for me in the business.

I am also taking a feel into hosting. I am extremely talkative and sociable. I love to entertain and take part in conversations, with my mouth being on top all the time, thanks to Daddy. I was chosen to host a new show that will be airing on CVM soon, and I will use it as an opportunity to further develop my stage presence and communication skills with the public, as well as to learn the process that goes on backstage, as well as onstage. Who knows, I might produce my own show in the future, because I'm outgoing like that.

G: What do you hope to achieve in 10 years?

KN: With the hope that all goes smoothly, I will begin to work on my first album next year and, hopefully, complete it in my final year of university. I expect to record a number of singles and also to appear in many shows and interviews over that time period, both in Jamaica and abroad. I expect to take on my career fully after school and record my first music video and may, perhaps, also work as a freelance legal adviser. I expect to be signed to tour both inside and outside of the Caribbean.

I expect that by 2012, I would have fully established my clothing store, which I am currently working on. I expect that in the next five years I will be a fully established recording artiste known globally. I expect to win many awards for music. I expect that in 10 years, after being established, I would be fully able to give back to my country through donations, charity events and industries I own/host. I expect to be cast in movies, therefore expanding my talent.

G: What drives and inspires your career path?

KN: I have always been a self-motivated person but, thankfully, I've been blessed to have parents who are extremely supportive and motivational, who have made it tremendously easy for me to maintain the drive I have for what I do. I see my parents struggle every day to provide for my family. They have been motivation all round, even the fact that they inspire me to get ahead so that I may become an entrepreneur.

My parents have never asked me who I wanted to work for or where I want to work. The question has always been what kind of business do you see yourself owning. This has led me to become even more inspired to be my own boss in everything.

My friends also have added to the backbone of inspiration already laid down by my family.

G: What do you have to offer as the future of the next generation?

KN: I want to bring to the floor a new sound in music and also to set an example for all. I want to be the artiste young girls look up to as a role model. I take on many responsibilities, so that one day I may be on top of them as leader.

G: Do you consider yourself to be revolutionary? How do you plan to change the game or your field?

KN: In some ways, I think I am. I think, based on the way I think and go about achieving my goals, perhaps indirectly I could change the game. The fact that I have a strong belief that even in the music industry education is important, many artistes leave school to get ahead in music. While some make it, a lot fail and, as a result of leaving school, have nothing to lie back on and, as a result, are left 10 steps backwards.

G: Besides access to education, what do you think needs to be done in order to transform youth in Jamaica?

KN: We need to resocialise our children. Based on my background, I was taught to lead, not to follow. From my years in studying for a diploma in secondary education, many students I have observed were being taught or trained to work for someone, not to own their own business or company. While it is understandable that not everyone can own a business, students need to be resocialised to recognise that they are not limited to just one thing. So, apart from access to education, entrepreneurial workshops or classes should be made compulsory in secondary institutions. Students should be taught the basics of writing a business plan, as something compulsory, rather than doing it only if your choice in a career is majoring in the field of business.

G: Distinguish yourself from your peers.

KN: For one, I am extremely outgoing. I like to take on different responsibilities, despite the pressures that may come with it. I have a drive that pushes my motivated self further to try new things and accept criticism to be better. I have many titles - singer, songwriter, host, teacher, law student and, hopefully, in the future I will be adding much more to the list. I have growing interest in professional make-up and event planning. I've been commended many times for my achievements at such a young age and I am determined to do even more.

G: What's been the most challenging part of making a name for yourself in your field?

KN: The fact that I live in a parish separate from Kingston. In Kingston, I go to school and handle most of my music business and the distance between there and home does put an extra load on my back. That's probably my main problem.

G: Old men rule the world: true or false? Why?

KN: True. It is the men of our past generations who have set great precedents for us to first comprehend, then challenge, manipulate and finally develop to produce new things.