by JOHN BOYCE
Music and finance played an integral part in her calculations as he assessed the future, and as the Sweetest Summer Festival heats up, Tamara ‘Queen T’ Boyce is again in the thick of things.
No stranger to the big stage over the years, being a semi-finalist and finalist with soca and social commentary, Queen T said finding a balance with her two passions has always been a challenge.
Her attraction to anything finance-related from her days at the Alleyne School signalled a career that was never in dispute.
So, she decided that a marriage of the two – finance and singing – could result in the inextricable bond she so desperately sought.
“Growing up people would say that you cannot do both, but for me life was about fulfilment and I could not sacrifice any of them,” Queen T told the MIDWEEK NATION.
Every year during Crop Over while she was still pursuing studies, the temptation to redirect her focus exclusively to music was great, but she had set her priorities and intended to stick to them.
True to her deep conviction in a dream she did not intend to sacrifice, today the mother of two is reaping its benefits.
For the past 13 years Queen T has been working in finance, six as an auditor, while still gracing the Pic O De Crop and the then Soca Royale stage.
Currently reading for her ACCA designation, the holder of a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance has had significant exposure on the local stage singing with live bands on the hotel circuit.
“One of the benefits of singing in a live band is that you sing all year round. So you are training and honing your skills and I could see my development as an artiste.”
As Queen T, who also performed with Ignition and Green Spice on the hotel circuit, grew more confident, especially over the past six years, the transformation emboldened her to step up her game.
So, as she performed with the Heritage Band, she was in her element as a more mature artiste.
Known for her infectious soca beats, Queen T, of Glebe, St George, who graced the stage about 16 years ago, has a special place in her heart for the Chrissy D- written Keep Up and last year’s social commentary Cross Fire, written by Billboard.
This year, the artiste has penned Showmeh, which is a sweet soca entrant, and represents women who are prepared to let men lead “if they step up to the plate”, and Lacking Intelligence, surrounding the upsurge in crime and violence.
Queen T said personal and professional readjustments caused her to curtail her “party animal” habits, especially since the birth of her now two-year-old daughter. Those circumstances also restricted her love for writing her own songs, but she intends to reignite the flame.
Committed, organised and mindful of time and her brand, Queen T said she leaves no task incomplete, adding: “I must always finish what I start because I love what I do.”
She thanked for sister, Denise, for introducing her to church at a young age and her parents for being her biggest supporters saying: “They don’t miss a beat or an event”.
In relation to artistes performing on the hotel circuit, she gave high marks to some hotels for their treatment of them, though adding that she is aware of several complaints from entertainers about issues that leave a lot to be desired.
“I cannot imagine what it is like for those who are doing it full-time, but for me it was slightly different because I do it on the side as I have a full-time job.”
She noted the consistent praise from guests who are always appreciative of her work.
With the airwaves inundated with new music, the artiste said she is pleased with the offerings across the board.
“There is enough music for everybody. I know there are a lot of criticisms as it relates to bashment, and yes, we can censure it somewhat, but I think the music [generally] is great . . . . I am very satisfied.”
Acknowledging that crowd taste has changed over the years, she said songs structured around “a beat and two words and erotic lyrics” are more appealing to today’s crowds.
With the reintroduction of Cohobblopot to the festival, Queen T, who performed there in earlier times, though welcoming its return, said she has to wait and see if it generates the same authentic Cohobblopot vibe.
“I am hoping for a safe Crop Over for everyone and asking people to let them be the last person the cycle of anger and violence stop at. Don’t continue it . . . break that cycle.”