Five Questions with Ishawna

She is fierce. She is bold. She is legendary. She is dancehall’s ‘top doll’, Ishawna. Since her introduction in music back in 2005, the 33-year-old deejay has been paving a way for herself in a highly competitive industry. Today, with more than a decade of experience under her belt, Ishawna has managed to carve out her own niche. As women continue to break down barriers in a predominantly male industry, the Equal Rights singer has become one of the leading ladies on the local music circuit. Her risque, hold-no-bars’ attitude has not only earned her a ‘seat at the table’, but has made her a force to reckon with on the entertainment scene. In this week’s edition of Five Questions With, we get to know a little bit more about the Need Love singer.

1. Three words that best describes Ishawna?

Festive, and that means I’m very fun. Reserved. I think I am an introvert and that’s gonna be weird, but I think I am. I am a very calm, laid-back person outside of music/work. I like to chill and be with family and friends. That’s me on a regular day. And, I am a mother.

2. Where is your favourite place to go relax/unwind?

Other than being at home, I would say a nice resort. On the beach somewhere with liquor. Sometimes I like to just go to the AC Hotel with my friends and have a drink.

3. What is one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you?

People would be surprised to know that I’m a chef. Girl a good, good chef. Girl can throw down inna di kitchen, throw her hand inna di pot. Mi cook wid love, that’s girl.

4. If you could give one word of advice to aspiring female artistes, what would that be?

I would say work on your craft. There’s just always other people coming up, and you have to just be great at what you’re doing. Don’t give up, put God first, believe in what you’re doing and stay determined. Don’t lose focus.

5. What motivates you the most?

I would say the passion for the music. It’s not really a money thing for me, it’s just the love for what I do, because this is what I have always wanted to do. Then, of course, my family, my son and everybody around me that keeps pushing me. Sometimes I have my moments when I’m frustrated with the industry, but I have people around me that keep me grounded and keep me going.

Bonus: What’s your favourite meal to prepare?

Everybody in my family, as well as my friends, have something different that they like. Some people like my curry goat, my sister love my steamed fish. I love my curry chicken with white rice, everybody have dem favourite. Girl just domesticated bad and a lot of people don’t know that. I’m very nurturing. I love to take care of people.