Bahamian queen of Jazz and songwriter, Brettina, wants to take her music across borders. With a calm voice and meditative tune, she is gradually making waves and positioning herself and her craft. She speaks with SEGUN ADEBAYO about her music journey, life and more in this interactive session.
Over the years, you have developed a style of performance you describe as a fusion of traditional jazz and island tones, What does this genre mean to you?
It means everything to me; to be able to perform straight ahead classical Jazz and fuse it with contemporary music genres is Jazz exploration.
You have come a long way with it and you seem to have found your rhythm and your style. What comes to your mind when you remember how you started the journey?
I think my first project was a mix of smooth Jazz fusion. At that time, my fans were more accustomed to hearing the style of music. But with my sophomore project we decided to venture out with out pulling away from my classic jazz roots, with a more contemporary feel. I’m excited about the reception of the single “Simple Pleasures” I wasn’t sure if my core fans would be open to this new contemporary sound, but it seems to be growing on them.
We have seen many artistes come up with this soulful and meditative music, but they have always been seen as second class musicians as they hardly appeal to a large section of music lovers. How does it affect your career?
I think there is an audience for all music genres. For an artiste, I believe that consistency is key; if your heart genuinely remains in the music, your audience will follow.
Making music is one thing, lacing it with the right messages and contents that will stick with the people is another thing. How do you infuse these words into your sound; has it been rosy?
I infuse it with life experiences and sometimes those experiences aren’t rosy but you know I feel like if one remains true to the music, it should convey through. Well, coming from Bahamian roots, Calypso, Rake n Scrape and Afrobeats infused with my exposure to Jazz RnB and Funk formed a unique sound that I call my own.
With a life dedicated to Jazz music, what do you make of other genres; do you draw any influence from them?
Oh yes! I’m in awe of other musical genres and artistes. I respect this gift that God has given us, called music. I would love to explore and collaborate with artistes of different genres. I realised that when it’s not forced, it genuinely happens and falls into place.
For somebody who was born into a musical family with uncles who are Bahamian music royalty (The T-Connection), tell us how your growing up with them shaped your life and career path?
I discovered from a very young age how music touches the soul of people. I’ve watched my uncles hone their craft to give the world their interpretation of music and to see how that emotionally uplifted others; it was so beautiful. I knew I wanted to do the same.
Is this what you have always wanted to do?
This is all I wanted to do. Whether it was being the artiste, the songwriter or both, I knew I wanted to be somewhat immersed in music.
What triggers your music pattern and lines?
I’m triggered by emotions, life experiences, beautiful melodies and the simple things in life. I am just grateful to be able to tell my stories. It’s therapeutic for me. Writing has always come naturally; at one point, it was the only way I was able to convey and express my thoughts and emotions.
Tell us about some of the experiences you have had that changed your perception about life?
When I was a young college student, I was so excited about life and my new independence. I had joined a college Christian ministry who were on fire for God. We would pray all night and fellowship. I could only see the good in humanity. I felt centered and had mapped out my career course. Then out of nowhere, I got the call that changed my world. My beautiful, young, gentle cousin, Lisa, who was eight months pregnant, was savagely attacked. She died in the hospital; they were able to save her baby, Julius, but we eventually lost them both. My entire life changed. I lost my faith in God, humanity and myself. My grades dropped, I started hanging out with the wrong crowd. I fell off centre and couldn’t find my way back. I kept trying to figure out different scenarios of how or if I would have done this or that to change my cousins fate. I fell into severe depression. Prayer, music and writing got me through the night. I wrote a song (on my first project) entitled Pardon The Storm; It was my prayer to God.
You have just released your EP, New Day; can you tell us about it?
New Day is my celebration project. It starts with the song Bop Baiye which is about Life with no regrets. I call it my Que Sera, Sera song. The next song is Simple Pleasures – the title says it all especially with what’s happening in our world and how we can appreciate the simple things in life. The next song is Low; I normally try to stay away from love songs but figured I’d take a shot at it. “New Day” is the title track; I hear a lot of Nigerians are eagerly waiting on this track.
The music industry gives you a lot of pressure. Pressure from fans and those who criticise your music and talent; how do you deal with this pressure?
I think with all the experiences that I’ve been through in life; good and bad, it’s hard for me to measure a little pressure.
Your name is Bretinna; what does that mean?
I wish I had something beautiful and extremely unique to say about my name and its meaning, but it just means Brettina.
You are aware of the rising music giants in Africa and the recent exploits of some of Nigerian artistes, what do you make of it?
I love it and it’s about time the world recognises the root of where these sounds derived. I love the freedom that Nigerian artistes implement in their music. It’s pure love and soul infused beats. I hope they enjoy my single New Day; it pays homage to Afro-soul.
Any plan to work with any Nigerian music star?
No plans as of now but I’m hoping to do so in the near future… Hope you’re listening Don Jazzy.
How was life growing up in the Bahamas?
Life was beautiful, pure and cool. I had the pleasure of being introduced to black owned businesses and entrepreneurs at an early age. This instilled in me to dream big and to naturally support people of color. It’s empowering.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
We Have Not Had Water Supply In Months ― Abeokuta Residents
In spite of the huge investment in the water sector by the government and international organisations, water scarcity has grown to become a perennial nightmare for residents of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. This report x-rays the lives and experiences of residents in getting clean, potable and affordable water amidst the surge of COVID-19 cases in the state…
Selfies, video calls and Chinese documentaries: The things you’ll meet onboard Lagos-Ibadan train
The Lagos-Ibadan railway was inaugurated recently for a full paid operation by the Nigerian Railway Corporation after about a year of free test-run. Our reporter joined the train to and fro Lagos from Ibadan and tells his experience in this report… police foil bank robbery ; police foil bank robbery ; police foil bank robbery ; police foil bank robbery.
and then