Five Questions with Tosh Alexander

Between signing with UK-based Polydor Records, that operates as part of the Universal Music Group, and being strategic about the music she releases, Tosh Alexander has made a lot of power moves over the last 12 months.

Her biggest may be tapping into her dancehall roots with the single Bubble, featuring Miss Kitty - a punchy, empowering track that shows the feisty side of her personality. The singer's personality shifts between being an introvert who takes pleasure in her alone time, and an extrovert when engaging with her fans with music that spans the pop, R & B, reggae and dancehall genres.

1. What is the strategy you employ in order to remain relevant?

The strategy was originally to focus more on pop music - when living in the United States. However, with the move back home (to Jamaica), it has been to incorporate more of the culture while staying true to myself. So while some recording artistes may be determined to release at least three songs per year, I stick to quality over quantity. I will record a variety of songs, and coordinate which goes out within a specific time frame. It sometimes relates to the seasons - during a holiday like summer, it helps to do more uptempo songs.

2. The standout phrase in 'Bubble' is 'yuh caan swear fi man seh yuh nah get bun'. Do you truly believe this and what advice would you give women dealing with that issue in their relationship?

The most honest advice would be not to put up with that. I am not one to sit around and be cheated on. I have found out, and I left. I think that women need to value themselves, and sometimes because we drop the bar, men feel they can give bun and get away with it. Women must take control and put a price on what they have. Also, instead of fighting each other, address the men and make up our minds that we can do better. It's OK if a man wants to run wild, but don't commit to someone when you cannot control yourself.

3. What does Christmas mean to you?

Coming from a very big family, it is always about spending time with my relatives. Regardless of what happens in the year, I know that at the end of the year, the aim is for all of us to get together, and that is why I am headed overseas for the holidays. At this time of the year, I am always full of joy, whether it is from knowing I am going to the ones I love or the food that I look forward to eating.

4. You released 'An Island Christmas' with Tosh and Friends last year, and you have returned this year with the cover of 'All I Want For Christmas', for KFC's Christmas album. Are you a fan of Christmas carols and songs?

I grew up listening to Mariah Carey, and she remains one of my top five vocalists. I was also obsessed with her Christmas album. Also, our generation does not appreciate the tradition as much, and I thought it important to release a song targeted at reminding people about it. I selected the song and originally wanted to rerecord it on a reggae beat, but it never transpired. Nonetheless, I feel blessed and honoured to be a part of the KFC project, because I believe in the spirit of Christmas, and the role of carols and songs throughout the season.

5. Does sharing a name with Peter Tosh hold any significance for you, or do you ever feel any pressure to live up to the name given to you?

My mother was a big fan of Peter Tosh, and said that whether she had a boy or a girl, there was to be no debate that her child's name would be Tosh. The first song I was introduced to by Peter Tosh was Maga Dog. Before even knowing who the reggae legend was, I was always use to people saying, 'Oh, like Peter Tosh' and felt honoured (not pressured) to be named after him. Getting that name was confirmation that whatever I planned to do in life was going to be something great.