Five Questions with Disney Amyka

Raised on the scripture of reggae and dancehall as well as a lifestyle that was filled with thrill and feel-good energy, music and entertainment was always part of Disney Amyka’s destiny. The New York-based singer and songwriter will immediately share her upbringing as one of the major influences on her decision to pursue music as a career, “having been a fly on the wall in my uncle’s studio”, when she would visit during summer break or for major holidays.

Well, she is no longer a fly on the wall. As she enters a room, it lights up and people have only become familiar with this personality from just one song. Walking into the lobby of one of Kingston’s popular hotels, a dolled-up Disney, whose given name is Moniefa Amyka Grant, begins to smile at every person she comes into contact with. All that’s missing is the flashing lights of cameras. Coming off an amazing year, with her debut single Feel Good, she is back in Jamaica to shoot the video for the follow-up single Getaway, which is an infectious production with an unforgettable melody that continues her brand of feeling good even when it’s difficult to do so.

She is also here to spread awareness on the Hawthorne Foundation (formerly the Margaret Chapman School which was established in 1968) in New York, which assists children with disabilities and focuses also on individuals diagnosed with autism. As an ambassador for the organisation, it has been a fulfilling experience, she said, also noting that she has family and friends with autistic children and has found a deeper love and passion exists through them. She explains what she means and what her mission is in this week’s Five Questions.

First of all, was it the smile or the perfume that had everyone stopping to look in your direction? What scent is that and what are your favourite scents, perfumes and colognes?

It’s funny that you mention colognes too … because I like 1 Million by Paco Rabanne. As in I love cologne and will wear them. Women’s perfumes are nice but when you get a good-smelling men’s cologne that’s not too spicy, just a memorable note that fits your body, the scent is lasting all day and just makes you feel good. In women’s perfume collections I wear Coco Chanel, also Gucci every now and then, but it’s not my first pick. That’s what I have on now.

So, what have you been busy doing this past year?

I been locked in the studio, pretty much just getting myself together — my image and everything — getting the music together and collaborating with the team to decide on the direction of an EP. We don’t know the title or release date as yet but we are almost there. At least, I don’t have a name I can disclose at the moment. It’s the team that has to give their votes and we decide. I have also been working with the Hawthorne Foundation, who got me on board last year.

Why is this foundation so important to you?

I see the work it is doing. It helps so many persons with disabilities and with autism, so many youths. It is important we pour into our youth, especially those who need that extra push, and, for me, it is important to bring awareness to their wonderful cause and mission. I had done a special for them, performed for them and they were so were so happy. It was a different type of happy and the foundation also was so [welcoming]. I want to give them back that.

Living overseas, do you feel you have to force your way into the dancehall scene or have people been accepting of what you are bringing to the table?

At the end of the day, I am Jamaican and was raised American for majority of my life. It is the best of both worlds. I’m from Bronx; Jamaicans and Bronx people have that same fire and energy. It’s who I am, Jamaican, it’s my culture. For the most part, I feel people have been accepting of me and my music, but, to persons who will question my mission as a recording artiste and my music … music is subjective, is either you love the music or you don’t. I’m really making music that feeds my soul and hopefully it translates to the people and it will reach to the right people.

And you’re here now to ‘Getaway’, what can persons expect from you?

Well, we did the video shoot in Portland with Jay Will, who is such a visionary, if I must say so myself. The song which is produced by Trevor Brown deserved an equally impressive backdrop as the rhythm. Getaway is such a freeing song, and what better place to do it than in Jamaica? I could think of a billion places but there is nowhere better. I will also be making radio and TV appearances and doing some meet-and-greets with my loyal fan base here.

Brawta: What else do you do professionally?

I’m also a make-up artist. I don’t believe in building other persons’ dreams and letting yours fall into the cracks. With this space, I can still be creative and make money. I can make me own schedule and still be focused in and out of studio. Persons mostly come for me to go out, young people who wanna look good.

stephanie.lyew@gleanerjm.com