It seems like yesterday that soulful singer Kay Alleyne captured the Digicel Rising Stars crown. Today, two years later, her sultry chords and powerful notes still resonate in our minds. But beside the fact that she became $100,000 richer and a booking contract luckier, a lot more has happened to Alleyne since she wowed T&T at the St. James Amphitheatre in 2007.
’Let’s just say, I have found this new energy, a vibe has come over me. I guess growth brings changes and I feel like a new person,’ she smiled.
Judging from her new raving red and funky hair-do, it is quite evident that she has transformed. Everything about her is hot and bright. From the energy to the confidence.
’Since the Digicel Rising Stars Competition in 2007, I have done so many things,’ says Alleyne. ’The competition opened up my mind for new frontiers.’
’I entered the Miss Bold and Beautiful Caribbean Pageant and I won (I am still the reigning Queen) and I had my very own Gospel concert, ’Victory’, at Queen’s Hall in collaboration with ASK Promotions early in 2008, she added.
Right on the heels of her successful debut concert, Alleyne performed for the Caribbean Gospel Meets American Gospel concert in Madison Square Garden, New York, alongside top Caribbean Gospel artistes, such as Lieutenant Stitchie, Papa San and Yankie B and elite US Gospel icon, Yolanda Adams. ’I was the only Trinbagonian gospel artiste and I did the opening act for the concert,’ she reminisced.
Alleyne also made a big change in March this year. The effervescent singer got married to manager/promoter Andy Balfour. ’I am just loving life and giving thanks to God for all the blessings He has bestowed on me. Life is busy especially as I reside in Tobago and New Jersey, but I am happy and my career has just begun to take full flight.’
Speaking of taking full flight, her Christmas single, ’Joy’ and Christmas Album, Born to Save, produced by Tobago-based LAJA Productions, is about to hit the airwaves.
The launch is expected to take place in two weeks.
The album, which mirrors her Jazz/R&B style of music, is upbeat, reflective and a good listen for the holidays. It makes one nostalgic and home sick if they are away for the Christmas season. Her personal touches with popular Christmas Carols ’Do You See What I See’ and other familiar yuletide renditions justify why T&T chose her as the Rising Star in 2007.
But, be warned, Alleyne is no longer a rising star; she has risen to a next level and her music signifies this.
’I will be going to Nashville, Tennessee in 2010 to start work on my debut Gospel album with Tobagonian producer, Roger Ryan. He is based in the US and won the Dove Award for the work he did with CeCe Winnans, Winona Judd and Brian McKnight,’ she said in an excited tone.
’My dream is to get a Grammy Award. I want to become a pioneer evangelical singer, writing my own music and adding a smile to listeners with every tune I sing.’
Among her many plans for the years ahead, which also includes starting a family, Alleyne hopes to do a much-anticipated collaboration with Soca King, Bunji Garlin. ’I am looking forward to doing something with Bunji stay tuned for further details ’ she advised. With her attitude and drive to succeed, this and almost anything else are indeed very possible!
To get Kay Alleyne’s album contact 341-2896 and for bookings call 739-6737.
