Maroc - NEWSDAY.CO.TT - A la Une - 14/Jul 07:32

Z U W E N A finds her calling in Christian music

AS the title of her debut single says, Zuwena “Z U W E N A” James-Bernard let go and let God. The 30-year-old Christian singer/songwriter, who is now an award-winning artiste, says she is both living her dream and fulfilling her purpose. James-Bernard was born and raised in Pt Fortin and told WMN she has always been “very artsy." “...And very creative, but yet still a bit shy.” She always loved to sing, but during her time at the Point Fortin RC Primary School, she said she never let others know about this hidden talent. “It was only in secondary school (Iere High School) around form three where I started doing performances with my friends, with the choir, going to Sanfest…(singing) at school programmes for Christmas, Father’s Day, etc.” This, she said, was the beginning of her “coming out of (her) shell.” While at that school, she also entered a competition called Scholarship Competition of Talented Teens in 2012. “I was actually encouraged, mainly by my geography teacher, Mr Declan Hive. Although he taught geography, he was the person who really encouraged the arts at Iere High School.” [caption id="attachment_1096113" align="alignnone" width="683"] Christian singer/songwriter Zuwena "Z U W E N A" James-Bernard is an award-winning artiste and says she is both living her dream and fulfilling her purpose. - Photo courtesy Soaring High Productions[/caption] She eventually won the competition and got the opportunity to participate in the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA). “That competition (WCOPA) really opened my eyes (and affirmed) I wanted to and would be pursuing music as a recording artiste. I thought, ‘What ever field of music I could hold on to and I know I can do well, that is what I will do.'” She participated in the R&B and gospel categories, getting the opportunity to attend music workshops, meet producers and record-label officials. She earned silver in R&B and bronze in gospel. [caption id="attachment_1096114" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Christian singer/songwriter Zuwena "Z U W E N A" James-Bernard won two awards at the 2024 Gospel Music Awards. - Photo courtesy BIGHPHOTOS (Harold S. Garner)[/caption] “I went with a little demo, they gave feedback and it really helped you understand the music industry more. I knew it was something I really, really wanted to do.” She took that passion and used it through academia, doing a degree in music at the State University of New York, Plattsburgh, from 2014-2018. She said it was a “great experience” that changed her outlook on music forever. “I always knew music to be beautiful and fun, but when you are studying it, you realise it’s such a science. It was tougher than I thought (it would be) and I appreciated that experience.” When it came to her songwriting abilities, she said it helped her understand “where the harmonies should go, the chord progression, the mood, the emotions I want to create…There are so many different jobs in music – not just singing and songwriting. There’s composing, there’s vocal arrangement, scoring…” She added that her relationship with God also strengthened greatly during her time there, and she felt as though he was leading her to pursue this career. She remained in the US for a year and worked as an assistant worship director at the Plattsburgh House of Prayer, returning home in 2019. [caption id="attachment_1096112" align="alignnone" width="683"] Christian singer/songwriter Zuwena "Z U W E N A" James-Bernard released her first single Let Go, Let God in 2020. - Soaring High Productions[/caption] While beginning her professional musical journey in Trinidad and Tobago, she said she did not have any set expectations of what it would be like. “I don’t ever want to paint a picture before I actually experience something. My only hope was that I got a producer who would understand my vision, and I did.” She released her first single Let Go, Let God in 2020, which was produced by Kompel Music Production (Kurn Noel). “A lot was new to me: marketing, getting the song on radio, meeting radio personalities, promotion.” Asked how she felt when the song first dropped, she said, “Emotionally, it was a mix of excitement and nervousness. “It’s a song that was very personal but I knew a lot of people could relate to it. So it was like, ‘Everybody’s going to hear it now. I hope they love it as much as I do.” And many did. The song is about not having everything all figured out but putting one’s faith in God. Other released tracks include Watch Over Me, We Outside, God Will Not Fail, We Outside, No No, Vessel of Faith and I Am. She said people’s feedback to her music thus far has been: “This is different. I like it and I want to hear more of it.” She said her family had always been supportive of her career goals, despite it not being a traditional path. “They had more faith in me during the times where I was still a little nervous about doing it. And God also made the vision so much clearer. I knew I was being led to do this.” At this year’s Gospel Music Awards (TT), she was nominated for breakout artiste of the year, young artiste of the year and music video of the year (for her track We Outside). “I really put myself out there. I realised I fit the criteria, and part of it was votes (from the public), part was a panel of judges.” She said she was excited to even be nominated among “so many other artistes who just worked hard on their craft. “I was just glad to be there.” The award ceremony was held on July 7 at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA). She won breakout artiste of the year and young artiste of the year. “It was a surreal moment to hear my name. I was there like, ‘OMG, should I get up now?’” she said, laughing. She said she is very proud of her style of music, which she described as “very and purposely Trini. “I love our accent and I think it’s something that should be paid attention to, even outside of soca and calypso. Our accent is beautiful in every genre. We don’t have to change our accents to fit the origins of a genre.” This is also why she began doing a social media series – Trini Accent Again – where she sings international songs in her TT accent. She teased at releasing a new track and music video “very soon,” and is also working on an eight-track EP set to release in October. Some local artistes she admires include NISA, Nathanael, Freetown Collective and BJ’orn Pierre. In addition to being an artiste, she teaches music (voice and piano) to children and adults. Her music can be found on streaming platforms including Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify, Deezer, among others. In addition, those interested in her journey can visit her website zuwenamusic.com.   The post Z U W E N A finds her calling in Christian music appeared first on Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.