Gemsto:n wants to shine

Hasani Walters, Gleaner Writer

There are many pearls, rubies and even diamonds within the music industry. But only one Gemsto:n.

Describing her style as dancehall/reggae with a hip-hop edge and her musical idol as Bob Marley because of the musical barriers he broke and the passion evoked through his music, Nickiesha 'Gemsto:n' Dawkins hopes that she can be cut and polished to adorn the music industry.

According to the multilingual Dawkins, the rhythm of life itself, the feel and the beauty of music which comforts, heals and blesses the mind and body is what inspires her to pursue her career.

"I got started in music pretty early in life. Music was always a part of my family while growing up. My dad was a big dancehall fan and my mom was, and still is, a lover of reggae music, specifically Bob Marley songs. My actual singing and songwriting skills came into play when I was about 10 years old and it just grew from there," she said.

Dancehall collaboration

According to Gemsto:n, she was singing solo parts in the choir at church then Gallawass, a DJ and friend, asked her to collaborate with him on a dancehall song for a competition in Portmore, Portmore Star Search.

The duo made the final and the judges "liked us and endorsed our style".

Since then Gemsto:n has impressed with songs such as Tek Weh Mi Luv, a collaboration with Asante Amen which was produced by Kleva Rootz Production, Negotiation, for the Italian Nite Lite Production, Step Up Ina Lie with Mr Rango for Diavallan Fearon of Builders Production and Eres Mia for Daddy Cobra from Madrid, Spain.

Gemsto:n first shone on CVM TV's The Party. Several performances were to follow.

Gemsto:n was included in the line-up at Sting in 2002 and 2003, on Sumfest alongside Ninja Man in 2002, Carifest in 2002, at Squadz Night Club in Brooklyn, New York in 2008 and at Plug 'N' Play in October and December last year.

She said her performances are usually well received.

But it has not been easy.

"It is a challenge and quite a struggle to try and get your voice heard in Jamaica. I would like to see women not treated as underdogs when compared with men in the music industry here. I would like them to be treated with professionalism. I would also love to see the disc jockeys put an end to the payola epidemic. I really think they need a cure for this disease."

Gemsto:n hopes to be doing songs that people will love and respect. She also hopes to leave her mark by helping other female artistes to have a stronger and more prominent musical presence in Jamaica's music industry.