Sonia Collymore
Gig Seeker Pro

Sonia Collymore

Toronto, Ontario, Canada | SELF

Toronto, Ontario, Canada | SELF
Band R&B Reggae

Calendar

This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

Press


"Ja's Unknown Nightingale"

After recording several singles in Jamaica and capturing the award of 'Best Reggae Recording' at this year's JUNO awards in Canada, singer Sonia Collymore is somewhat perturbed because she is hardly known in Jamaica.

"It bothers me and I am working on it, that's why I am trying to come to Jamaica so often to do recordings and also introduce the face behind the songs being played on radio. It's true I'm not well known in Jamaica and we're hoping to change that soon," she said.

The songbird earned the nod for this year's JUNO awards for her song You Wong See Me Cry, a single recorded by roots reggae producer Yotie. Apart from Snow, most of her competitors in that category would be unknown to most Jamaicans.

Unfamiliarity ~ However, it is not that radio is responsible for her unfamiliarity. In fact, most of her material, including the song which won her the coveted award, has received airplay. However, what has contributed to her unfamiliarity is the fact that she was born n Barbados and raised in Canada and only visits Jamaica once or twice a year t record.

In fact, winning was also not an issue that she had considered since most of the other nominees had been recording in Canada for a number ofyears. "I went to the awards not preparing a speech, and basically to network. So I was surprised when I won. But the victory was not just me. It was Yogie, Gumption band and the combination of all of us who worked on the project that won the award," she explained.

Despite her victory and unfamiliarity to most Jamaicans, Sonia has been singing reggae for over a decade after being introduced to the genre by her father, who played it constantly when she was a child. She has worked with much loved crooner Beres Hammond for whom she provided harmony vocals between 1994 and 2000.

The working relationship came about when one of Beres Hammond's back-up singers, Marcia English, was leaving to pursue studies. Sonia said she was recommeded to fill the spot right away. She explains, however, that she had to rehearse all the material beforehand and did not meet the reggae singer until a show in Barbados when they performed together.

NO TURNING BACK ~ From then on, it was no turning back for the former soca singer, and, of course, she has placed a lot of value on working with Hammond. "I had such a really cool experience with Beres becaue he could let his back-up singers open up and do stuff. So it kind of gave me the incentive to jump out and do solo. I found it would be difficult work to do solo and do back-up. So I took the step and jumped out and went solo," she said.

It was through working with Beres Hammond that she met Yogie.

"Yogie is Beres' nephew. When I was touring with Beres I would see Yogie around the gig and around the family. When we first met in 1994, he always talked about doing his own production and putting out his own album. So when he finally started doing his own thing he said 'I'm doing my own stuff would you like to write some songs and do some stuff on my rhythm'," she explained.

That relationship has so far spawned eight singles. Among them are You Won't See Me Cry, Alright and Roots Wine, a duet with Yogie. There are also plans to release an album later in the year. In addition, she has set up her own record label, called XES Music, and plans to release her album on that label.

All those plans are still works in progress, however, and until they become reality, she hold a day job as an executive assistant at a telecommunications firm.


- Jamaica Gleaner, May 22, 2003


"Ja's Unknown Nightingale"

After recording several singles in Jamaica and capturing the award of 'Best Reggae Recording' at this year's JUNO awards in Canada, singer Sonia Collymore is somewhat perturbed because she is hardly known in Jamaica.

"It bothers me and I am working on it, that's why I am trying to come to Jamaica so often to do recordings and also introduce the face behind the songs being played on radio. It's true I'm not well known in Jamaica and we're hoping to change that soon," she said.

The songbird earned the nod for this year's JUNO awards for her song You Wong See Me Cry, a single recorded by roots reggae producer Yotie. Apart from Snow, most of her competitors in that category would be unknown to most Jamaicans.

Unfamiliarity ~ However, it is not that radio is responsible for her unfamiliarity. In fact, most of her material, including the song which won her the coveted award, has received airplay. However, what has contributed to her unfamiliarity is the fact that she was born n Barbados and raised in Canada and only visits Jamaica once or twice a year t record.

In fact, winning was also not an issue that she had considered since most of the other nominees had been recording in Canada for a number ofyears. "I went to the awards not preparing a speech, and basically to network. So I was surprised when I won. But the victory was not just me. It was Yogie, Gumption band and the combination of all of us who worked on the project that won the award," she explained.

Despite her victory and unfamiliarity to most Jamaicans, Sonia has been singing reggae for over a decade after being introduced to the genre by her father, who played it constantly when she was a child. She has worked with much loved crooner Beres Hammond for whom she provided harmony vocals between 1994 and 2000.

The working relationship came about when one of Beres Hammond's back-up singers, Marcia English, was leaving to pursue studies. Sonia said she was recommeded to fill the spot right away. She explains, however, that she had to rehearse all the material beforehand and did not meet the reggae singer until a show in Barbados when they performed together.

NO TURNING BACK ~ From then on, it was no turning back for the former soca singer, and, of course, she has placed a lot of value on working with Hammond. "I had such a really cool experience with Beres becaue he could let his back-up singers open up and do stuff. So it kind of gave me the incentive to jump out and do solo. I found it would be difficult work to do solo and do back-up. So I took the step and jumped out and went solo," she said.

It was through working with Beres Hammond that she met Yogie.

"Yogie is Beres' nephew. When I was touring with Beres I would see Yogie around the gig and around the family. When we first met in 1994, he always talked about doing his own production and putting out his own album. So when he finally started doing his own thing he said 'I'm doing my own stuff would you like to write some songs and do some stuff on my rhythm'," she explained.

That relationship has so far spawned eight singles. Among them are You Won't See Me Cry, Alright and Roots Wine, a duet with Yogie. There are also plans to release an album later in the year. In addition, she has set up her own record label, called XES Music, and plans to release her album on that label.

All those plans are still works in progress, however, and until they become reality, she hold a day job as an executive assistant at a telecommunications firm.


- Jamaica Gleaner, May 22, 2003


"At Least You Can Still Get an Award in Canada: Sonia Collymore wins 2003 Reggae JUNO"

Singer/songwriter Sonia Collymore recently won Canada's most prestigious music award, the JUNO, for Best Reggae Recording for her hit single "You Won't See Me Cry" (FiWi/XeS). The 2003 Junos were presented at the Corel Center in Ottawa on April 6. Snow, Leroy Brown, Kulcha Connection and Belinda Brady featuring Carla Marshall were also nominaed in the same category.

"It was an elated moment for me, a couple seconds of disbelief," said the Barbados-born, Toronto-based vocalist. "It was quite an honor, because I was up agains artists who are on major record labels, who have complete albums and videos."

Collymore, who began singing in the Pentecostal church as a child, defines her style as reggae with an r&b/soul flavour, which lends to a crossover appeal. For six years, Collymore toured as a backing bocalist for Beres Hammond, gaining invaluable exposure, experience under the spotlight, and a fierce love and appreciation for reggae music.

You won't See Me Cry, Collymore's full-length album, will be released this fall on her independent XeS label. Collymore is currently seeking a US distribution deal for her debut, which features production by Canadian reggae singer Yogie and Jamaica's Gumption band.

Collymore said "You Won't See Me Cry," written from a strong female perspective, was inspired by "too many broken hearts."

"For me, letting someone see you cry is giving up your power. I have to make sure that the lyrics in my music reflect women in a positive light. We can be very smart and powerful, doing our thing." - Shelah Moody, June 2003


"At Least You Can Still Get an Award in Canada: Sonia Collymore wins 2003 Reggae JUNO"

Singer/songwriter Sonia Collymore recently won Canada's most prestigious music award, the JUNO, for Best Reggae Recording for her hit single "You Won't See Me Cry" (FiWi/XeS). The 2003 Junos were presented at the Corel Center in Ottawa on April 6. Snow, Leroy Brown, Kulcha Connection and Belinda Brady featuring Carla Marshall were also nominaed in the same category.

"It was an elated moment for me, a couple seconds of disbelief," said the Barbados-born, Toronto-based vocalist. "It was quite an honor, because I was up agains artists who are on major record labels, who have complete albums and videos."

Collymore, who began singing in the Pentecostal church as a child, defines her style as reggae with an r&b/soul flavour, which lends to a crossover appeal. For six years, Collymore toured as a backing bocalist for Beres Hammond, gaining invaluable exposure, experience under the spotlight, and a fierce love and appreciation for reggae music.

You won't See Me Cry, Collymore's full-length album, will be released this fall on her independent XeS label. Collymore is currently seeking a US distribution deal for her debut, which features production by Canadian reggae singer Yogie and Jamaica's Gumption band.

Collymore said "You Won't See Me Cry," written from a strong female perspective, was inspired by "too many broken hearts."

"For me, letting someone see you cry is giving up your power. I have to make sure that the lyrics in my music reflect women in a positive light. We can be very smart and powerful, doing our thing." - Shelah Moody, June 2003


"WYSIWYG CD Review"

Sonia Collymore may be the finest vocalist to come out of Canada since Celine Dion and Nelly Furtado. After six years of singing background for Jamaican crooner Beres Hammond, the Barbados-born, Toronto-based singer/songwriter is ready to show the world what she's got. The title of Collymore's debut album, WYSIWYG, an acronym for "What You See is What You Get" alludes to the sultry and soulful yet no-nonsense style of female singers of the seventies. Produced by Collymore in conjunction with Dwight Dawes for Gumption Productions and Collin and Tony Barrett for Workn' Till Dawn Productions, WYSIWYG is a mixture of reggae/dancehall, smooth R&B and pop. Collymore's dreamy soprano adds a new emotional depth to Faith Hill's "Breathe," which is currently in rotation on Jamaican airwaves. Dancehall diva Ce'Cile (Sean Paul's "Can You Do the Work") makes an appearance on "Walk Away" and Collymore engages in a teasing romp a la Janet Jackson with Canadian reggae crooner Yogi on "Roots Wine." "Don't You Stop Loving Me," is one of the most sentimental and romantic tracks on the album, blending lush harmonies with ethereal lyrics. Collymore does not come off as a push over or a pampered princess, instead, a hard working, strong woman who aims to please her man. - Shelah Moody, Entertainment Editor, CityFlight Magazine, September 2004


"WYSIWYG CD Review"

Sonia Collymore may be the finest vocalist to come out of Canada since Celine Dion and Nelly Furtado. After six years of singing background for Jamaican crooner Beres Hammond, the Barbados-born, Toronto-based singer/songwriter is ready to show the world what she's got. The title of Collymore's debut album, WYSIWYG, an acronym for "What You See is What You Get" alludes to the sultry and soulful yet no-nonsense style of female singers of the seventies. Produced by Collymore in conjunction with Dwight Dawes for Gumption Productions and Collin and Tony Barrett for Workn' Till Dawn Productions, WYSIWYG is a mixture of reggae/dancehall, smooth R&B and pop. Collymore's dreamy soprano adds a new emotional depth to Faith Hill's "Breathe," which is currently in rotation on Jamaican airwaves. Dancehall diva Ce'Cile (Sean Paul's "Can You Do the Work") makes an appearance on "Walk Away" and Collymore engages in a teasing romp a la Janet Jackson with Canadian reggae crooner Yogi on "Roots Wine." "Don't You Stop Loving Me," is one of the most sentimental and romantic tracks on the album, blending lush harmonies with ethereal lyrics. Collymore does not come off as a push over or a pampered princess, instead, a hard working, strong woman who aims to please her man. - Shelah Moody, Entertainment Editor, CityFlight Magazine, September 2004


"ALLSTREAM WORKER WINS JUNO"

ALLSTREAM WORKER WINS JUNO
The Winnipeg Sun
Tuesday April 5, 2005
Kathleen Martens

MTS-Allstream employee Sonia Collymore of Toronto won a Juno award on the weekend for reggae recording of the year for her debut album WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get).
- The Winnipeg Sun


"Sonia Collymore CD Release Party"

Juno Award winning Reggae Artist, Sonia Collymore performed in front of a packed house at the Revival Lounge on Monday night at her highly anticipated debut CD release Party. She sang several tracks from her new CD, WYSIWYG (which is computer language for What You See Is What You Get). Support Canadian Talent people and make sure you pick up the CD!
- Carol Allen, carrebizness.com


"Sonia Collymore CD Release Party"

Juno Award winning Reggae Artist, Sonia Collymore performed in front of a packed house at the Revival Lounge on Monday night at her highly anticipated debut CD release Party. She sang several tracks from her new CD, WYSIWYG (which is computer language for What You See Is What You Get). Support Canadian Talent people and make sure you pick up the CD!
- Carol Allen, carrebizness.com


"2005 JUNO Nomination for Sonia Collymore"

XeS MUSIC RECORDING ARTIST AND TOP CANADIAN FEMALE REGGAE SINGER, SONIA COLLYMORE, RECEIVES 2005 JUNO AWARD NOMINATION FOR BEST REGGAE RECORDING

For Immediate Release:
February 7, 2005 (Toronto, Ontario)

Canada’s premier female reggae artist, Sonia Collymore, and her sensational debut full length CD "WYSIWYG," (What You See is What You Get) was announced today as a nominee for Best Reggae Recording for the 34th Annual Juno Awards being held Sunday, April 3, 2005 at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The awards ceremony will be broadcast live nationally on CTV.

Sonia will be participating in the Canadian Music Week Break Out Series performing live in concert as part of the annual Canadian Music Week 2005, on Thursday March 3rd, at 11:00pm located at the Revival NiteClub in Toronto. She also has two singles from the “WYSIWYG” CD on this week’s national Galaxie Reggae Top Ten Chart with “Takes 2 to Play the Game” at #5 and “Walk Away” featuring CeCile at #9.

With such hits as "Breathe" and a women's anthem "Nobody's Baby," Sonia has been hitting us where it hurts musically for some time now. With multiple awards to her credit including a previous JUNO (“You Won’t See Me Cry” in 2003), Canadian Urban Music Nomination and multiple Canadian Reggae Music honors, Sonia Collymore supplies us with thirteen original tracks that speak to her passions, pain and fury. Sonia is talent, who writes, produces and now owns and operates her own label, XeS Music. Special guests on the CD include top reggae female DJ, Ce’Cile, and Chrome, one of the young DJs from the Shocking Vibes Crew (Beenie Man’s camp).

"WYSIWYG," which is also an Enhanced CD features her debut video, interviews and behind the scenes footage was released on the XeS Music Label on October 5th, 2004 and is distributed by Nuff Entertainment in Canada. US and International release of the CD will take place in Spring 2005.

- Russell Gerlach


"2005 JUNO Nomination for Sonia Collymore"

XeS MUSIC RECORDING ARTIST AND TOP CANADIAN FEMALE REGGAE SINGER, SONIA COLLYMORE, RECEIVES 2005 JUNO AWARD NOMINATION FOR BEST REGGAE RECORDING

For Immediate Release:
February 7, 2005 (Toronto, Ontario)

Canada’s premier female reggae artist, Sonia Collymore, and her sensational debut full length CD "WYSIWYG," (What You See is What You Get) was announced today as a nominee for Best Reggae Recording for the 34th Annual Juno Awards being held Sunday, April 3, 2005 at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The awards ceremony will be broadcast live nationally on CTV.

Sonia will be participating in the Canadian Music Week Break Out Series performing live in concert as part of the annual Canadian Music Week 2005, on Thursday March 3rd, at 11:00pm located at the Revival NiteClub in Toronto. She also has two singles from the “WYSIWYG” CD on this week’s national Galaxie Reggae Top Ten Chart with “Takes 2 to Play the Game” at #5 and “Walk Away” featuring CeCile at #9.

With such hits as "Breathe" and a women's anthem "Nobody's Baby," Sonia has been hitting us where it hurts musically for some time now. With multiple awards to her credit including a previous JUNO (“You Won’t See Me Cry” in 2003), Canadian Urban Music Nomination and multiple Canadian Reggae Music honors, Sonia Collymore supplies us with thirteen original tracks that speak to her passions, pain and fury. Sonia is talent, who writes, produces and now owns and operates her own label, XeS Music. Special guests on the CD include top reggae female DJ, Ce’Cile, and Chrome, one of the young DJs from the Shocking Vibes Crew (Beenie Man’s camp).

"WYSIWYG," which is also an Enhanced CD features her debut video, interviews and behind the scenes footage was released on the XeS Music Label on October 5th, 2004 and is distributed by Nuff Entertainment in Canada. US and International release of the CD will take place in Spring 2005.

- Russell Gerlach


"Sonia Collymore moves from the shadows into the light"

Sonia Collymore was fully prepared for a solo career in music. Her tenure working as a background singer for some of the industry's biggest names helped to develop her sound and supported her bold stage presence.

Now Sonia's perseverance and hard work is set to bear fruit with the release of her debut album. The album is due sometime in October, and Sonia is quite proud of the finished product.

"The album is now completed. I just did a photo shoot for the cover and the first single, Takes 2 To Play The Game, has been released," Collymore told the Observer recently.

With an armful of awrds and nominations from prestigious organisations under her belt, Sonia sees the album's release as bearing fruits of the sounds tha she has been influenced by.

"My father was a huge fan of reggae. He would always play the old stuff around the house, so it was a natural progression for me," she explained.

Collymore added: "It (the album) is a mixture of sounds that I was influenced by from an early age. The album has a little dancehall, some one-drop stuff, lovers' rock and even ballads. It will definately appeal to everyone."

Collymore was born in the Bahamas but because of her health at the time (she suffered from asthma), her family moved to Canada.

Her first entry into the music arena came when she got the opportunity to do background work for Jamaican-born Canada-based JUNO award-winning singer Nana McLean. She later did background vocals for Calypsonian Leon Caldero. But her major assignment came when she got the chance to do background work for Beres Hammond.

"My experience working with Beres Hammond was a good one. I got to travel the world all over, and I really learnt a lot from him. Often times he would showcase his back-up singers on the same stage with him, prior to him getting into his performance. That was really good," she said.

Collymore won the Best Female Newcomer and Singe of the Year awards at the Canadian Reggae Music Awards in 2001. A year later she would take home the trophy for Female Vocalist Of The Year, as well as a nomination from the JUNO awards for Best Reggae Recording. Collymore won the JUNO, Canada's equivalent to the US Grammy awards, in the category of Best Reggae Recording for her song You Won't See Me Cry, in 2003.

Collymore said winning the JUNO award has helped her visability and has also contributed to some of her success on the Canadian reggae circuit.

"Winning the JUNo has helped. Very much so. After I won the Canadian reggae award, a whole bunch of bookings came in. After I won the JUNO award, a number of agencies approached me wanting to provide funding for my album. A lot of doors opened up for me. I think that winning an award shows that you are respected by your peers," the Bahamian said.

Sonia Collymore's album is called WYISWYG. She sums up the title as meaning what you see is what you get and vice bersa; what you get is a lot more than what you bargained for."

She hopes to capitalize on the album's release with some performances on Jamaican soil.

"I want to do a record release here in Jamaica. this is really where my love for reggae was solidified," she concluded. - Kevin Jackson, Jamaica Observer, May 28, 2004


"Sonia Collymore moves from the shadows into the light"

Sonia Collymore was fully prepared for a solo career in music. Her tenure working as a background singer for some of the industry's biggest names helped to develop her sound and supported her bold stage presence.

Now Sonia's perseverance and hard work is set to bear fruit with the release of her debut album. The album is due sometime in October, and Sonia is quite proud of the finished product.

"The album is now completed. I just did a photo shoot for the cover and the first single, Takes 2 To Play The Game, has been released," Collymore told the Observer recently.

With an armful of awrds and nominations from prestigious organisations under her belt, Sonia sees the album's release as bearing fruits of the sounds tha she has been influenced by.

"My father was a huge fan of reggae. He would always play the old stuff around the house, so it was a natural progression for me," she explained.

Collymore added: "It (the album) is a mixture of sounds that I was influenced by from an early age. The album has a little dancehall, some one-drop stuff, lovers' rock and even ballads. It will definately appeal to everyone."

Collymore was born in the Bahamas but because of her health at the time (she suffered from asthma), her family moved to Canada.

Her first entry into the music arena came when she got the opportunity to do background work for Jamaican-born Canada-based JUNO award-winning singer Nana McLean. She later did background vocals for Calypsonian Leon Caldero. But her major assignment came when she got the chance to do background work for Beres Hammond.

"My experience working with Beres Hammond was a good one. I got to travel the world all over, and I really learnt a lot from him. Often times he would showcase his back-up singers on the same stage with him, prior to him getting into his performance. That was really good," she said.

Collymore won the Best Female Newcomer and Singe of the Year awards at the Canadian Reggae Music Awards in 2001. A year later she would take home the trophy for Female Vocalist Of The Year, as well as a nomination from the JUNO awards for Best Reggae Recording. Collymore won the JUNO, Canada's equivalent to the US Grammy awards, in the category of Best Reggae Recording for her song You Won't See Me Cry, in 2003.

Collymore said winning the JUNO award has helped her visability and has also contributed to some of her success on the Canadian reggae circuit.

"Winning the JUNo has helped. Very much so. After I won the Canadian reggae award, a whole bunch of bookings came in. After I won the JUNO award, a number of agencies approached me wanting to provide funding for my album. A lot of doors opened up for me. I think that winning an award shows that you are respected by your peers," the Bahamian said.

Sonia Collymore's album is called WYISWYG. She sums up the title as meaning what you see is what you get and vice bersa; what you get is a lot more than what you bargained for."

She hopes to capitalize on the album's release with some performances on Jamaican soil.

"I want to do a record release here in Jamaica. this is really where my love for reggae was solidified," she concluded. - Kevin Jackson, Jamaica Observer, May 28, 2004


"Take The JUNO"

Sonia Collymore may not be (yet) be a house-hold name in the Caribbean, but she's certainly hot property further north. A native of Barbados, currently based in Canada, Collymore took home the 2003 JUNO award for Best Reggae Recording at the Canadian equivalent of the Grammies. It was her second JUNO, following the Best Female Newcomer award she copped in 2001. Originally a backup singer for the likes of Beres Hammond and Leon Coldero, Collymore won this year with You Won't See Me Cry, a song recorded over the Natty Bay Riddim, produced by Hammond's nephew and producer extraordinaire Yogie. A full album, on her own XES label, in due later this year. - BWIA Caribbean Beat, October 2003


"Take The JUNO"

Sonia Collymore may not be (yet) be a house-hold name in the Caribbean, but she's certainly hot property further north. A native of Barbados, currently based in Canada, Collymore took home the 2003 JUNO award for Best Reggae Recording at the Canadian equivalent of the Grammies. It was her second JUNO, following the Best Female Newcomer award she copped in 2001. Originally a backup singer for the likes of Beres Hammond and Leon Coldero, Collymore won this year with You Won't See Me Cry, a song recorded over the Natty Bay Riddim, produced by Hammond's nephew and producer extraordinaire Yogie. A full album, on her own XES label, in due later this year. - BWIA Caribbean Beat, October 2003


"Sonia Collymore From Fringe To Fore"

With the release of "Breathe" in 2002, the cover version to the award winning single by Faith Hill, Sonia Collymore has shown that singing backup with Beres Hammond among others for six years was not a front. "That experience really honed my talent. I learnt so much. To Beres, we were not just back-up singers, we were 'front up' singers, as during our rehearsals and even at some of his performances, Beres would call us up as a part of his set and make us sing a coupld of verses of his hits, which gave us the opportunity to work the stage and entertain different audiences," from Japan to Jamaica and winning them with her heartfelt performances.

All this developed a soulful on-stage exuberance, which is extremely appealing. "I'm crazy, sexy, soulful, caring and cool." she laughs. The singer who says her age is 20/plenty has won in her debut year "Best Female Newcomer" and "Single of the Year" at the 17th annual Canadian Reggae Music Awards, which was a first in the 17 year history of the award show. This record beaking achievement was followed up by her "Feale Vocalist of the Year" in the following year and a JUNO which is the equivalent to the American Grammy Awards nomination for "Best Reggae Recording". "It's all a work in progress ... and I have it all planned out. It's the Canadian Reggae Music Awards then the Tamika's, then the Grammy!" And we hope she gets there!

She has already started add the finishing touches to her debut album scheduled to be released in teh summer of 2003, with tracks being co-produced and co-written by Yogie, Beres, herself and others.

This is something she feels passionate about and her migration to the Reggae music scene brings with it a fresh sound filled with a unique yet creative lyrical styling.

Songs in heavy rotation are: "Brethe" "Roots Wine" featuring Yoeig all released on the XES Music label. - Shamar Tomlinson, Yaad Vibe, April 2003


"Sonia Collymore From Fringe To Fore"

With the release of "Breathe" in 2002, the cover version to the award winning single by Faith Hill, Sonia Collymore has shown that singing backup with Beres Hammond among others for six years was not a front. "That experience really honed my talent. I learnt so much. To Beres, we were not just back-up singers, we were 'front up' singers, as during our rehearsals and even at some of his performances, Beres would call us up as a part of his set and make us sing a coupld of verses of his hits, which gave us the opportunity to work the stage and entertain different audiences," from Japan to Jamaica and winning them with her heartfelt performances.

All this developed a soulful on-stage exuberance, which is extremely appealing. "I'm crazy, sexy, soulful, caring and cool." she laughs. The singer who says her age is 20/plenty has won in her debut year "Best Female Newcomer" and "Single of the Year" at the 17th annual Canadian Reggae Music Awards, which was a first in the 17 year history of the award show. This record beaking achievement was followed up by her "Feale Vocalist of the Year" in the following year and a JUNO which is the equivalent to the American Grammy Awards nomination for "Best Reggae Recording". "It's all a work in progress ... and I have it all planned out. It's the Canadian Reggae Music Awards then the Tamika's, then the Grammy!" And we hope she gets there!

She has already started add the finishing touches to her debut album scheduled to be released in teh summer of 2003, with tracks being co-produced and co-written by Yogie, Beres, herself and others.

This is something she feels passionate about and her migration to the Reggae music scene brings with it a fresh sound filled with a unique yet creative lyrical styling.

Songs in heavy rotation are: "Brethe" "Roots Wine" featuring Yoeig all released on the XES Music label. - Shamar Tomlinson, Yaad Vibe, April 2003


Discography

Debut Album:
WYSIWYG (winner of the 2005 JUNO for Reggae Recording Of The Year)

Previously Released Singles:
. What Have I Done (Harmony House Records)
. Why Me Jah (Harmony House Records)
. Breathe (XeS Music)
. Roots Wine -feat. Yogi (XeS Music)
. All Right (FiWi Music)
. You Won't See Me Cry (FiWi Music)
. You're In Love (FiWi Music)
. Superwoman (FiWi Music)
. Stop Your Talking (FiWi Music)
. Taken (FiWi Music)
. Takes 2 To Play The Game (XeS Music)

Photos

Bio

Unbreakable Band Bio:

Unbreakable ~ an undeniable high energy mix of pop, reggae and calypso in one band. Combined, the members have won Juno Awards, Reggae Music Awards and toured the world with famous Reggae and Calypso performers. They come together to create their own hybrid mix of Pop, R&B, Reggae and World beats. Prepare to be amazed. But most of all, prepare to dance.

Sonia Collymore Bio:

SINGER/SONGWRITER
RECORDING ARTIST
ACTRESS
RECORD COMPANY PRESIDENT
HUMANITARIAN

Wow!!! There are only 24 hrs. in a day. How does this superwoman do it all? Drive and determination!!!

"My dad says I came out singing instead of crying" says Sonia. Born in St. Michaels, Barbados, her family migrated to Canada when she was 5 years old. She began singing in private with her father. "He used to have a sound system---but he played mostly in the basement. I used to hide at the top of the stairs, listening to him playing records and DJ-ing. "....this is WKRC and this is DJ Keith (WKRC for his name Keith Reynold Collymore). I was exposed to the likes of the Wailers, John Holt, U Roy, Freddie McGregor, Gregory Isaacs, D. Brown, Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt at an early age as well as R&B artists like Lionel Ritchie, Teddy Pendegrass, the Ojays, Patti LaBelle, Etta James and Millie Jackson." Soon, her father invited her to take up the mike and sing along with the records ---- the birth of a star!! She was also encouraged by her mother Elmira to sing in the church. She sang for a number of years in the Jr. choir and eventually as a featured soloist. "She has the voice of an angel. Anytime she wants to sing for the Lord, she can sing here" (Pastor Gallimore, Montego Bay).

Throughout High School, Sonia continued to perfect her trade, appearing in numerous school plays and talent shows. Her first "professional" stint as a singer was with the band LeeJahn as a Feature Vocalist. She also provided background vocals for a number of artists including Nana McLean and calypsonian Leon Cordero. As fate would have it, Sonia was called upon to substitute for an ailing back-up singer for reggae veteran Beres Hammond (one of Jamaica's premier male vocalists). So impressed was the crooners management, she was invited to become a part of his harmony section and stayed with them until 1999. It was her tenure with Beres that proved to be the most rewarding to date. Her harmonizing with the crooner has transformed her into a bonafide globe trotter. As part of his set, he would showcase his back-up singers----an experience that has honed her talent. She has developed a soulful stage exuberance, which has been critiqued as to be extremely appealing. From Jamaica to Japan; Canada to the USA, Sonia continues to win over fans with her heart-felt performances. Influenced by Marcia Griffiths, Patti LaBelle, Vanessa Williams and Etta James, she calls her unique style of music ‘G-POP REGGAE’. Per Sonia" G is for Girl---after all I am a girl. Pop---well because I want it to cover everything; most popular aspects of reggae: Roots, Lovers Rock, Dancehall, Traditional Reggae with a little bit of Soul, R&B AND Jazz mixed in. I want to have a special appeal so that even people not familiar with reggae can still enjoy this music." She also cites Ce'cile and Tanya Stevens as inspiration and credits Beres, Freddie McGregor and Lionel Ritchie as inspiring the smooth soulful side of her singing.

Her debut single release-- a remake of Faith Hills "BREATHE" was released on her own XeS Music label. "I was 'forced' to start my own label because no one would take a chance on me as a solo artist." The single won her Female Newcomer of the year and Top Reggae Single of the Year in 2001 from the 17th annual Canadian Reggae Music Awards. 2002 found her winning the Top Female Reggae Singer in the 18th edition of the CRMA and a JUNO nomination.

The following year, she won a JUNO Award (2003) for Reggae Recording of the Year for the single "YOU WON'T SEE ME CRY" and a nomination for Female Singer of the year at the 19th annual CRMA.

Her 2005 JUNO win for her debut CD/Album WYSIWYG (computer acronym for What You See Is What You Get) has been icing on the cake. "This was a special win for me because it was based on an album rather than a single." Produced by Work'n Till Dawn and Gumption Productions, her debut CD’s 14 tracks can attest to the fact that she is more than mere 'eye candy'. If there is such a thing as 'ear candy' this CD is it!!

She has shared the stage with many of reggaes' greats and her vocals can also be heard on the Showcase (Canada) and Showtime (USA) television series "The L Word". Her song writing skills (besides writing 13 of the 14 tracks on the CD) have been spotlighted by singer Patria and the Pop group 3-Deep as well as highlighted on the Canadian television series "Grosse Point"

She has been known to 'lend her talents' to many worth while social causes including "Top 20