NICKEISHIA BARNES

Nickeishia Barnes is a soulful singing powerhouse that mesmerises audiences each time she goes on a stage. This Rising Star alumnus hails from Arnett Gardens and isn't afraid to let people know who is in control once she lays hands on a microphone.

I entered Tastee Talent Competition in 1996 as a solo act and placed 4th in the Quarter, then finished up my Sixth Form years at Holy Childhood High School, then I tried again in 1999 with my brother Escobar and his very good friend Nesbeth, we only made it to the Quarter finals though. I used to follow them early morning, late nights to the studios in Kingston especially Anchor by Gussie Clarke to observe and sing a few background vocals, but I was very shy and nervous. We worked with a producer by the name of Horace Murphy, who linked us with Sly and Robbie and they worked with us for a while. The experience was absolutely amazing, being in the presence of these iconic figures and this is where my love grew into aspirations of someday producing my brother Escobar, Nesbeth and other artist from the inner city. However through struggles in Arnett Gardens in terms of gang violence, my brother stopped taking me out in the hours of night and early mornings. I became more focused on my schooling. I completed my studies at the University of the West Indies in Political History & Sociology in 2004, had quite a few losses in my life up to that point (2 of my older brothers were killed in gang war in Arnett Gardens/Jungle). Regrettably my brother Escobar was number 3 and killed in Arnett Gardens as well as Horace Murphy and I pulled further into my music, as it became a means of therapy for me.