Nina Karle is no stranger

Karlene "Nina Karle" Levy is by no means a stranger to the music world. She has been singing since childhood, honing her skills through her mother's direction in the Crofts Hill Anglican Church Choir, the Holmwood Technical High School Choir and the Dawson College Choir in Montreal, Canada.

However, Nina really discovered her unique style, performing with the all-Japanese blues/rock/jazz band, Blue Mountain, while teaching English in Nagoya, Japan. She comes across with a seductive tone that captivates her audiences.

Eventually, she sought a bigger challenge and made the bold move to the heartbeat of Japan, the city of Tokyo.

There, her gigs call for her to perform reggae, blues, jazz, gospel and R&B. Being able to successfully handle these genres eventually led her to perform at the famous Don Cornelius Soul Train Cafe in Tokyo, doing Motown covers and a capella gospel music.

She has also done backing vocals on television shows with popular Japanese singers.

But her most distinguished gig, however, was singing Jamaica's National Anthem for former Prime Minister, P.J. Patterson, during his visit to Japan in 1998.

Getting back on track with her vision of her entertainment career, Nina relocated to Jamaica in 2001. Five years on the Japanese entertainment scene has given her the requisite experience to broaden her stage to an international level.

Since her return, she has performed at venues including On the Roof, Teensplash, the International Reggae and World Music Awards, Village Cafe and Village Blues Bar. She is now one of the main acts to catch at Christopher's at the Quad where she performs regularly.

She is also a member of LMJ, a female group renowned for their signature style of harmonies.

They were the opening act for Junior Kelly on his 2009 European tour, promoting their album, Inna Mi Roots. The group returned to Europe later in 2009 to further promote the album.

Nina is in the process of compiling her debut album, working with various producers including Sly and Robbie, Cash Flow Productions and Paul Kastick. Her Singles, Lonely, with dancehall duo CP Inc, and Byron Lee's remake of From a Distance, are currently enjoying regular rotation on radio.

An accomplished backing vocalist, Nina works with various artistes in studio and onstage. She has been on tour with many reggae artistes including Joseph Hill of Culture, Richie Spice, Chuck Fenda, Sly & Robbie and Sinead O'Connor.