Tessanne to use homecoming as thank you - Downtown party for 2013's Voice to be all about fun

Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

Although 'The Voice' has ended, Tessanne Chin's journey has really just begun and she is still in disbelief.

Speaking with The Sunday Gleaner ahead of her homecoming concert that will be held in downtown Kingston today beginning at 6 p.m., Tessanne explained that winning the United States-based vocal competition is still very surreal to her.

"I still can't believe it. I look at the trophy and seh 'but God, mi really win? It is the most amazing feeling. Whoever thinks it's gonna happen? You join these things because you want a little publicity in a different country, no one expects to go on and win the thing. I never in a million years thought that so many people would just take it on and help me through this journey," she said.

Along her journey, Tessanne's family has been very visible and the support from Jamaica has been just as evident.

"It means a lot to have an international career and to make it in the world, but it means the most when my people feel that way too," she said.

"My family and friends, they have stuck by me through the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful. They keep me grounded and keep me remembering what is important and real."

And while she would like to spend even more time with her family and friends, the bookings have been rolling it at near-rocket speed. When asked if there has been a major increase in bookings, Tessanne said, "Definitely. Of course, and that is something that you pray for, that is something as an artiste that you want."

She continued, "But at the same time you kinda learning how to juggle it with what is going on because we are also in the process of recording an album, so we are gonna have to be devoting and giving equal time to both."

Along the journey, time management will be of utmost importance, she said. Nonetheless, she says she tries to separate work from her family life.

"I kinda look at it now that anytime I am out of my house, I am working. When I go home, it is just home and being with my husband and having friends over when they come. Occasionally, I go to my sister's (Tami Chynn) house and my baby nephew is there so I get to play auntie. It brings everything back down to earth," she said.

Her schedule during the competition that started airing in September was hectic. Week after week, Tessanne had to perform and when the competition ended in December, it was on to numerous interviews and performances. Although tiring, Tessanne says she is grateful for the experience.

EXTREMELY TIRING

"It has been extremely tiring, but I am not complaining 'cause at the end of the day it is what you pray for, you pray for success. And having success means that you are not always gonna sleep when you want to sleep or eat when you want to eat or see family members when you want or have holidays. It means that you work. For me, I know there will come a time when I have a little vacation, but right now, it's work," she told The Sunday Gleaner.

As for the homecoming concert today, "I just hope people come," she said laughing

"My expectation is to just have a wonderful time and to say thank you, thank you for supporting me and sing a one, two song. It's gonna be fun."

The event will also feature, Shaggy, Wayne Marshall, Assassin and Alaine.