Dancehall Princess TIANA to Record “Don’t Cry” Comedy Duet with Cuban Cohiba for Capsicum
OutAroad.com/Media House Productions recording artist Tiana will join with Capsicum Records reggae star Cuban Cohiba in a comedy duet entitled “Don’t Cry,” a fusion of one-drop reggae and dancehall co-penned by Cohiba and Capsicum CEO and Director of A&R Roger Meltzer, who also co-produced the record with 5-time Calypso Monarch Joseph Everton “Reality” Weekes. In the song, the recently jilted Tiana does not welcome or appreciate the timing of Cuban’s vigorous pursuit.
Princess Tiana and Cuban Cohiba
The rhythm track features the incomparable musicianship of world-renowned bassist Derrick Barnett. Even while touring world-wide with Yellowman, Ziggy & Melody Makers and Toots Hibbert, Barnett was also the production wizard behind many hits for other reggae legends such as Dennis Brown, Beres Hammond, Black Uhuru, Cocoa Tea, Freddie McGregor, Pinchers, Tiger, Adm. Bailey, Lt. Stichie, Ninjaman, Lady Saw, Mikey Spice, Luciano, Richie Stevens, Buju Banton, Wayne Wonder, Kymani Marley, Cobra, and Sanchez.
Derrick Barnett
Barnett has also shared the same stage with many stars of international fame and acclaim, such as: George Benson, Lou Rawls, Natalie Cole, James Ingram, Jeffrey Osbourne, Anita Baker, Chaka Khan, The Manhattans, The Dells, Biggie Smalls, Wyclef Jean, P. Diddy, Little Kim, Missy Elliot, Busta Rhymes, Ludacris, Fat Joe, Queen Latifah, Eve, Erika Badoo and Lauren Hill. “Cigar Man” Cohiba recently returned from a tour of Cuba and the Eastern Caribbean.
Hailing from the same parish (St. Mary) as the “Queen of Dancehall” Lady Saw, Tiana has become the Princess of Dancehall, the latest sensation in the batch of budding female dancehall/reggae artists on the rise. In 2009 and 2010 Tiana’s sexy and beautiful vocals graced hits such as the Glory Riddim project produced by Cashflow, featuring artists like Vybz Kartel, G Whizz, Charly Blacks, Black Ryno; Tiana’s “Inna 2010” has become an anthem in countries such as Gambia, Bahamas and the U.K.
Her first single, "I Won't", produced by manager Carlington Wilmot for his OutAroad.com/Media House Productions label, was spawned in the wake of events surrounding R&B's hit couple Rihanna and Chris Brown's domestic violence incident. In what was her first experience recording in a professional studio, Tiana tackled the plight of domestic violence victims, citing similar situations of other women; using her vocal ability in a catchy tune, she aptly reminds us that violence against women is unconscionable and women have been afflicted for too long.
A few months later Tiana voiced her second single called “You Want Me” in collaboration with the True Love hit maker Delus (Brother of Konshens). She got her first chart topper when she invited dancer-turned-pop artist Chi Ching Ching to join her on the smash single “Skippin Feelin” once again produced by Wilmot who also wore the director’s cap for the making of the video. Both the video and single racked up several number ones and top ten placements locally and internationally.
The diva finally began to feel what it’s like to live her dream of becoming a star. In that same year Tiana got her first taste of performing on what some consider the greatest one night show on earth (Sting concert). Her next major performance was at Spring Break in Negril, opening for Platinum recording artist Shaggy and Elephant Man. She was also featured on the Portland leg of the Magnum Ten Long Ten Strong Stage Show road tour.
After that came the Romeich Records Stage Mix produced track on which she voiced a song called More Money. The Stage Mix Riddim that also features dancehall heavyweights Beenie Man, Mavado, Cobra and TOK. Tiana also had a winner on the Flirtation Riddim with “Dat Mi Want” in a project featuring Vybz Kartel and Konshens.
Tiana’s biggest hit to-date is “No Man Can’t Talk Bad Bout Mi,” produced by D&H and Konshens’ SubkonShus Label. The song racked up several number ones, making its debut at #1 on the popular CVM Hitlist Video Countdown Chart, and dominated the #1 spot for four weeks on Wave Radio's Starlight Saturdays Top Ten Count Down in Belize. The song has since made its presence felt on several other charts around the globe. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a33pvxYh0I
Her latest releases are “Gyal Mi Love You” featuring Konshens, “Highest Grade Song” (Bruno Mars Remixx of Lazy Song), “You Mi Want” featuring newcomer Darrio, “Bruk Out and Whine” on the OverProof Riddim (see outaroad.com), and “Pum Pum Phat” remix.
Tiana believes the key to being successful in the male dominated arena is to work twice as hard, stay focused, believe in what you are doing, and most importantly, having a good manager is the #1 ingredient. Tiana embodies a seemingly shy yet confident persona. Says Tiana: “I see myself being one of or if not the first female artists to close Sting or Sumfest. Her musical inspirations include Rihanna, Beenie Man, Lady Saw and Lady Gaga. She attended Mary Mount High in St. Mary, then went on to the University Of West Indies majoring in Language & Linguistics.