Q. What was the purpose of your recent trip?
A. My trip to Canada was to facilitate a new fresh look for myself, a photo shoot, and to organize a marketing strategy for a more aggressive introduction to the international entertainment arena.
Q. What can you tell WE about your upcoming event, Kitorah Unveiled?
A. My concert, Betty Payne Unveiled, will showcase my musical works over the past five years, including songs written by me and other artistes with whom I’ve collaborated, such as Biggie Irie and Jimmy Senya Haynes. It’s scheduled for April 23 at Plantation Garden Theatre.
Q. You were formerly known – on the entertainment circuit – as Betty Griffith; why the name change?
A. The name change from Betty Griffith to Kitorah came about as a result of a lifestyle change – becoming a Christian – and the closeness which I shared with my since-deceased great-great-grandmother. I’ve since then resumed using the name Betty Payne as it is the name which my fans identify with and it’s all about pleasing one’s fans. They’re the people who keep us entertainers going.
Q. Is there a market for the music you now express – gospel music, sort of? Please define the genre.
A. I’ve recorded all kinds of music; pop, rock alternative, ballads, country pop and dance, to name a few. I’m leaning more towards country pop and rock alternative, with a possibility of crossing over into the classical ballads arena which would have singers the likes of Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand. There’s definitely a market for those genres of music.
Q. You have the ability to make an indelible mark in any area of entertainment; you were once likened to Celine simply because you covered her songs so well. What mark are you trying to make now, and what mark do you want to leave when you retire from the scene?
A. As an artiste I want to impress upon the younger age groups the need for respect and love for God. I want to be able to make a positive difference with my music, to write songs which will empower young men and women to love themselves and each other, to restore the sanctity of marriage and family. To make them dance and sing to lyrics that are of good moral value. To leave a legacy that my children would be proud of.
Q. Do we really have a music industry in Barbados?
A. I really don’t think we have an entertainment industry. There’s too much division in Barbados among entertainers. To date we’ve been unable to form a union for entertainers to establish certain work ethics. We first need to come together and respect each other and stop undercutting and pulling down each other. Learn to lift each other up and collaborate with honour and respect.
Q. What was your most memorable moment in entertainment?
A. My most memorable moment would have to be going on tour in China for five weeks and sharing a stage with musicians and entertainers such as Taylor Dane, Sheila E, Oliver Jones, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Eddie Bullen to name a few. It was a tremendous learning experience.
