Spin D Music - Entertainment News

Tami Chynn explains why Wayne Marshall is the law in her life

Kingston, Jamaica: Apr 4th, 2008
Source: jamaicaobserver.com

TAMI CHYNN... It's all about adding another layer to my career and taking things to another level.

Ever since she burst onto the music scene a couple years back, she has been following her own path. But this year, Tami Chynn - she of the luminescent skin, bright eyes and sassy, attitude-laden singles - is holding nothing back. And why should she?

At 24, an age when most young women are just mapping out a career game, Chynn is taking the highway to superstardom as she establishes a solo career that will see her competing with the Rihannas, Ciaras and Beyonces for a spot on the charts.

And not a moment too soon. She's got a hot new album, Prima Donna, set to hit stores this summer (via her new artistic home, SRC/Universal Records); she's got hip hop megastar and bonafide hitmaker Akon as one of the mavericks behind the project and she has one of the most respected men in dancehall music by her side along for the ride. Talk about having it your way.

For the first time, Chynn (the notoriously private chick that she is) opens up to Splash about the hush-hush love of her life, her upcoming album and what always makes her happy.

SPLASH: Congrats on all the projects you've been successfully undertaking lately both here and overseas. What has the journey been like?

Tami Chynn (TC): It's been such a great experience. It's all about adding another layer to my career and taking things to another level. So I'm enjoying it all.

SPLASH: I hear you have a hot new album on the way. How is that project going? You named the album, Prima Donna. Why?

TC: (Laughs) I was actually writing a song and one of the lines was "I'm a prima donna" so I thought that would be a cool title for the album. But this 'prima donna' is not like in a diva way. It means I'm a confident woman and I'm proud to be me. So being a prima donna does not necessarily mean being full of negative attitude. It's about being who you are as a woman and being happy too.

SPLASH: What was it like working with hip hop star and producer Akon on the album?

TC: It was amazing. He has an incredible work ethic. He will work from sun-up to sun-down. It was he and another producer named Red One, who worked with me on the album and got it done. It was simply great. Akon and I also did a collabo called Frozen, which is the first single.

SPLASH: What else do we need to know about the album?

TC: Well, we're hoping to release it worldwide by the end of summer or whenever we feel the timing is right. But for now it is slated for August. There are 13 tracks on the album and I'd say they're all my favourites. Apart from Akon, I also did a collaboration with Voicemail on a single called Watch Me Wine (Laughs). People will love the album and I can't wait for it to be out on the streets.

SPLASH: Sounds like a blazing album. I definitely can't wait to hear it. Being away from Jamaica for such long periods must make you homesick at times.

TC: Recently, I hadn't been in Jamaica for three months and when the plane landed I cried. I always miss Jamaica whenever I'm abroad for too long. My life will always be here. I wish I could be here all the time.

SPLASH: What else have you been up to overseas?

TC: We recently debuted my first single (Frozen) off the album at an event in England, which was a huge success. I also shot the music video for the single last week in [Los Angeles] with director Gil Green. So everyone can look for it. It will be everywhere pretty soon.

SPLASH: Recently, I had the opportunity to chat one-on-one with your beau Wayne Marshall, who reluctantly spoke about the loving relationship he shares with you. But after some mild coercion, he spilled the beans. It's obvious that he's crazy about you and I know you're happy in love too.

TC: I'm very happy. Absolutely. Wayne is my biggest support. He's my rock. I couldn't be doing all this without him (Giggles). I am very blessed.

SPLASH: Are you interested in tying the knot one day?

TC: Definitely. Anything is possible (Laughs).

SPLASH: What about having kids?

TC: I really, really want to be a mommy one day in the future. That would be fulfilling one of my life-long dreams. It's definitely a passion of mine to be a mom and wife when the time comes.

SPLASH: Those kids would be just the cutest. I know you lead a very fashionable life, so what offerings in fashion and beauty are you feeling this season?

TC: I'm really into stirrup tights this season, short dresses, colourful prints and a lot of the other cool fashion trends rocking the place right now. I love to try new things but I always say, 'go with what fits and suits you'.

SPLASH: How do you stay so fit, healthy and fabulous?

TC: Wow. Pull a lot of suitcases through the airport, I guess (Laughs). I always try to eat healthy and listen to my body. I'm not into too much fat. Everything in moderation.

SPLASH: What always brings a smile to your face? What makes you happy?

TC: My family, food, my significant other (Laughs). I always feel good waking up and knowing that God is there and so I don't have to worry. It's good that I can hold onto that and feel happy and secure.

SPLASH: What is left for Tami Chynn to do next?

TC: More albums and some movies. I would also love to do a Broadway production one day.

SPLASH: Finally, what important life lessons have you gleaned along the way?

TC: You have to stay as humble as possible in this biz and take life as it comes. Be true to yourself and always remember that God is the real reason why you are doing what you are doing. Always keep that at the top.