After
her return to Barbados in 1998 Kimberley continued developing
her skills and participated in several talent competitions.
She placed second in the 2003 Courts Superstar search competition,
beating out several other contestants through grueling rounds
of competition. But the slender 23 year old will perhaps
be best known to the Barbadian public for her debut release
and self-penned 'Obsession' which enjoyed major popularity
for several weeks of the 2004 Crop Over season.
So
far it would be easy to assume that Kimberly is simply a
young woman with a powerful voice. Not true. She has made
a deliberate effort to diversify her talent with some success.
Kimberly is heavily involved in the pre-production work
on her tracks and has collaborated with other producers
on her songs. Demonstrating an understanding of the industry's
dynamics, in 2004 Kimberly ensured exposure and income outside
the lucrative Crop Over Season (May - July) when she joined
the local band Prime Tyme. As lead singer she wowed audiences
at exclusive venues - most notably the world famous five
star resort, the Sandy Lane hotel.
2005
saw another achievement for Kimberley, with the success
of her self-penned calypso 'Free', which she also produced,
cementing her position as a promising new member of the
popular calypso tent 'Bachannal Time'.
Kimberly
has spent as much time learning from soca greats who have
gone before her as she has carving out a niche and honing
her own skills. She has shared the stage with internationally
popular bands Square One and Krosfyah and Atlantic Recording
Artist Rupee.
For
this effort and her early successes Kimberly has been acknowledged
at the inaugural Barbados Music Awards in 2006. She was
nominated for two awards- Best Female Party Song and Best
Female Ragga Soca Song.
Kimberley's
debut album "Come with me" is scheduled for release
July. The album features 12 tracks penned by the artist
herself including 8 self-composed and 4 by other acts. |