TeeJah PRAYze is a singer/songwriter, reggae artist, entertainer and producer based in the London, England UK with roots in Jamaica WI. ‘With experience in both sides of the industry as both a performer and a producer. She has performed in clubs in the dancehall scene and has achieved mainstream recognition on the pop circuit and cult status in the club her first professional experience was as a member of the late 1990’s R&B group’ “Fierce”. ‘While with the group they’re music hit the charts on the National Top 10. The group was made up of three female members, together they supported Whitney Houston, PDiddy and E 17.
After separating from the group in 2001, TeeJAH returned to writing, performing and producing’, ‘her first love’. “Over the past 10 years she has written and produced music for and performed with mainstream artists such as Freddie McGregor, Buju Banton, and Movado. She has also supported acts on major UK and Jamaican reggae tours such as Bounty Killer, Sanchez, and Beres Hammond.” ‘Her Reggae influences come from her growing up between London, England and Kingston, Jamaica and like many Caribbean families, her first musical experiences came through her church choir at age 11.’ By the time she reads 15 she recorded her first ‘song. Now a born again Christian, TeeJAH has accumulated enough prominence and stature in the industry to take her career to another level of performance and on a solo mission, to take the Gospel and share her talents with the nations.
With the guidance and support of her ministry, pastor, family, friends and fans that knew her when she was a secular musical artist. “She has what it takes to spread the gospel and with God rooted inside her there is no stopping.” The featured track I Cry is a beautiful song designed to woo the listener. It tells the story of a broken heart comforted and healed by God. The general message is ‘ A broken heart is hard to mend, but when you trust in God your sadness turns to joy. A meaningful message that not only gospel music lovers can appreciate and enjoy. The island vibe and reggae downbeat ‘riddim’ is especially appealing.
As it provides the initial comforting feeling you get while listening to the track. The lyrics to I Cry are filled with vibrant colors and the instrumentals are played with precise accuracy and timing. Piano cover, strings, percussions and base stand out and also contribute this amazing island sound. Overall, the quality of the track is impeccable! I truly enjoyed listening to this song as it brought back reminders of how good the Lord is. “Be prepared as TeeJAH PRAYze bounces back with her first debut entitled ‘I CRY'” “Young people, I am comin’ for you… be prepared!!” -TeeJAH PRAYze
By Linda Dawkins
Follow Linda on Twitter! @lindadz89
Exclusive Interview:
Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
I heard about Exposed vocals from a writer/editor that goes by the name Linda Dawkins, i met her via a social business networking site.
She heard my music and took interest, she then introduced me to Exposed vocals and here i am!
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
TeeJAH: I grew up between London, England and Kingston, Jamaica.
I guess i didn’t choose to become an artiste, it chose me!!
I love music, all types and love to play instruments (Keys, drums, steelpans and percussion), i
actually realised myself that i loved singing when i had my first solo as a child in primary school in a Christmas play….but my mom always knew i was going to be a singer by the way i cried as a child, and always humming myself to sleep..lol
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
TeeJAH: Mmmm, The name TeeJAH PRAYze…ok TeeJAH was just a random pull out the hat name when i was doing secular music like dancehall/reggae…but as a Gospel reggae artiste, i decided to keep the TeeJAH and add on the PRAYze and the reason for the spelling is self explanitary, just read the capitol parts of the name alone and you will see.
The inspiration behind it could only be God….i am a Psalmist and this is it!
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
I think it’s a great way to network because what’s old here, will be new there, it’s an awesome way for the world to get to know you asa an artiste as well as your music…yes i do freebies because it’s not eeryone who can afford things, or may not have internet access, plus it’s always in my heart to give back, it’s who i am.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
TeeJAH: Ermmm…..Utalise the internet, it is a very powerful tool also keep promoting and don’t stop…it may be tiring, but nobody does it better than you!!!
If you really want it, you will press towards it.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
TeeJAH: Yes i do, but hey everybody does!! I just keep going if not noticeable, but if noticed, i just style it out with a little humour or buss a lil crowd participation just that little more!!!
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
TeeJAH: OMG!! when i was in an RNB girl group in the millenium year, we were on tour here in London as the uk support for P’Diddy and the family.
As it was our turn to go on, we had a little rum just to warm up our insides (we were not drinkers, just an occassional sip), anyway it came to a part in the dance routine where i had to swap places with one of the girls, i was so busy eyeing up this cute guy also feeling a little in toxicated, i walked right into one of the monitors, landed on the floor, and ias i tried to get up again, i rolled over stood up and forgot my cue for the rap!!lol
FIERCE was the name of the band, which you can see our vid on youtube “Sweetlove 2k”
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Inspiration comes from everyday life, depends where i am, or who i am around.
TeeJAH: I guess the process is life experience mixed with some day and night vibes…so i guess a day, depending on what the inspiration was.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
TeeJAH: No i don’t, i have soundcloud and facebook which is pretty much it..
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
TeeJAH: Oh gosh, i think i deleted all those!! lol
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
TeeJAH: First and foremost, my children, my mom who is also a pastor and ministry has to come first, then I would invest and open a music school for the deprived and less fortunate who are gifted, but have no means of being able to fund their talents.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
TeeJAH: Right now i am just keeping a low key because i am in writing mode.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
TeeJAH: The internet
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
TeeJAH: OMG, why ya’ll gotta ask that mayynnnn!!!lol Ok, definately Kirk Franklin as he has inspired my music my whole entire life, the way he writes, harmonies, he is just blessed and an awesome man of God, bob Marley, he has so much talent and the entire world can relate to his music, those are the two for now as i have so many other names, if i start, the list will never end!!
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
TeeJAH: Just trying to record my first solo album, a few vids for the visuals and tour and promote!!
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
TeeJAH: To tell you the truth, i probably would of been in film as i am an actress too, but besides the performing industry, probably a pharmacist.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
TeeJAH: Yes, it was Kirk franklin “Stomp”.. I was in Washington DC when that came out, what was going through my head was what dance routine can i give the kids for this hot track!!! (I used to do youth work, and choreography was my field)
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
TeeJAH: I go by faith! I ask for childcare in advance, and pray on it, Everything i do i put god before me and it manifests….
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?
TeeJAH: They should look forward to seeing me as i am coming to a stage near them!!!
A solo album, a few music videos with some hot moves, and keeping the gospel alive!!!
Oh it’s gonna be such an awesome year…truss me.x
