Toya here to make a difference

The artiste christened Lotoya Alecia Jackson, more popularly known as Toya, has music in her veins and says she will be doing all in her powers to remain relevant yet different in the music industry.

Raised in Washington Gardens, the 26-year-old said her current success with the art form comes through being persistent.

”While going to Edith Dalton James, I used to be a good singer so I was placed on the choir, and was also doing drama. Therefore, my exposure started early, ” said Toya.

Her name was given to her by her aunt in honour of the late Michael Jackson’s sister Lotoya Jackson.

”My current hit Hot like a Fire is doing very well, getting a lot of love it makes me feel welcome to the music industry, and I know that I am making my contribution,” she said.

She was also quick to point out, it was no easy road as her first release, Too Sexy, did not make an impact on the industry.

With an inspiration to survive, the sassy looking Toya started out modelling for Biggy Turner and Audrey Goodas.

The latter took her close to the dancehall music, which rekindled her passion for the popular genre, and this gave birth to the Downsound-produced single.

”The song have taken Rihanna’s Rude Boy off the chart in Barbados and is number on FiWi Choice. This is a great achievement to me and I cherish it dearly,” said Toya.

She said her aim is to be the Lady GaGa of dancehall and she hopes to one day collaborate with her.

”Having performed at Sting 2009, Toya is expected to do well. Music is a passion she has and I am confident she is going to do great things there,” said her manager, Joseph Bogdanovich.

Source: JamaicaStar