Sherieta ... comes from behind the scenes

Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

After years of touring and backing some of reggae's big acts, singer Sherieta Lewis is ready to step out and sing to her own beat.

At only 23, Sherieta Lewis has been a backup singer for the likes of Tarrus Riley, Duane Stephenson, and Diana King, has helped to pen lyrics for artistes such as Jah Cure, Etana, and Luciano, and has established healthy working relationships with the likes of producers Dean Fraser, Mikie Bennett, Christopher Birch, and Donovan Germaine.

Speaking with The Sunday Gleaner recently, Sherieta spoke about her beginnings in music and her plans to pursue her solo career.

A pastor's daughter, Sherieta has been singing since her days in her church's choir alongside her sister who is also a musician.

She said: "I've been doing this all my life. My sister sings and is a musician, so I've learnt to play instruments as well. I began meeting people through singing at church and school, until I met people who had real clout in the business and began backup singing and recording."

While she attended the School of Music at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts for a brief time, Sherieta began her career backing others from as early as age 18.

Touring experience

She soon, however, found her musical family with Tarrus Riley and his Blak Soil band, who she has been touring with for four years.

"It has been a great experience. Tarrus is a wonderful person both on and off stage, and the whole band is like family. Over the years I've learnt a lot. Tarrus has been very instrumental in my career. He's always pushed me to get out there on my own and sing," she said. With Riley, Sherieta has toured Europe, the United States, and the Caribbean.

In February, Sherieta made the decision to step out on her own and see what being a star was all about. She added, "I'm ready to go on my own. I have the support of producers, singers, and writers."

While she is signed to Island Star Records, which operates out of the United States, Sherieta has also been doing a lot of work with Donovan Germaine of Penthouse Records.

Great feedback

Since branching out, she has released three singles: Lies, In the Name of Love, and Reggae Is Life.

"The greatest response so far has been for Reggae Is Life, which is getting great feedback. I've even received messages from people from Kenya who say they love the song," she said.

Next out from Sherieta is a cover of the hit Love Has Found Its Way with Glen Browne. According to the singer, her focus is mainly on reggae music, but she is open to different genres.

The transition from backup to the leading role for the singer has its challenges, but for Sherieta, there is also fulfillment.

Finding out for herself what fans want to hear has been the most difficult part of that transition, but she is learning as she goes along.

One day, however, she hopes to work with the likes of Junior Gong, John Mayer, and John Legend, touring the world again, but in the spotlight.