So, tell me a little about Denyque? 

 

First off let me just say thank you soo much for having me Nyah! 

Ok so hmm.. There’s definitely more to me than meets the eye. I have so many layers [lol] I’m like a big project in Photoshop (heavily layered) *laughs*. But for the most part I’m a really down-to-earth and easy-going person. I’m constantly on the move, because I get bored really easily. I can be a bit blunt most times and my personality is of two extremes; (e.g.) when I wanna talk, boy do I talk; but when I don’t feel like talking.. Best believe I shut up. Lol.

 
Growing up did you always want to become a singer, or did everything just 
fall right into place? 

 

Growing up I had so many plans (and still do have them) for my life. My little motto is “One Life -> One Dream -> Many Goals”. When it comes to music though, I never chased it, it just always seemed to come knocking. So, one day I finally opened the door & embraced it!

 
Who were some of your musical influences? 

​

Musical influences.. *hmmm* I have so many! I’d have to say definitely the people I grew up listening to like: Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Etta James, Brandy, Monica, Usher, TLC (Love 90s R&B) and new age acts such as Tessanne Chin, Amy Lee (Evanescence), Pink, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce and my favourite new artistes Keri Hilson, Katy Perry and Lady GaGa. 
 
At what age did you decided that this is it. This is my calling; I want to 
become a singer? 

 

I decided when I was about 18/19 that this is definitely one of the things I wanted to do with my life. 
 
What were your family and friends reactions when you expressed to them 
your interest of becoming a singer? 

 

Everybody that mattered was game! They loved the idea and never hesitated to motivate and encourage me and that created that positive energy that I needed.

 
What were some of the struggles in which you had to get through in order 
to get to where you are now? 

 

Wow! I went through so much honestly, but struggles are what makes or breaks us right? Well, I lost my father, no he’s not dead – he’s very much alive. But when I decided that I was gonna go after what I wanted, live my life for me, he decided that that was not in his plan and so he wasn’t gonna put up with it; so he cut me off and practically disowned me. That gave me such unbelievable strength! It allowed to be strong for myself like I’ve never been before and to this day it keeps me motivated and driven. I believe that everything happens for a reason. 
 
What sets you apart from other singers in the industry? 

 

Ahh honestly.. I believe I have so much to offer – not just musically, just need to figure out how I’m gonna display that. I believe in individuality and standing out. I think everybody’s different, everybody has their own thing going for them but what sets me apart is that fact that, even in conforming, I strive to stand out.

 
Did you ever get to that point where you just felt like giving up and if 
so, who or what gave you the motivation to keep going? 

​

Of course I have! If I didn’t then I don’t think I’d be human. There was a situation earlier this year where two people almost crushed my dream. Their negativity and their possessiveness was just too much negative energy, I literally felt imprisoned. You know no matter how much positivity you have, all it takes is a little negative energy to muddy your focus. So I distanced myself and stayed around positive & encouraging people. My mother was number one of course; she never stopped pushing me, my best friends (esp. Tiffany & Amanda), my boyfriend, my mentor/sensei (Richie RAS) J, my very good friends Brian McClaughlin & Chris Braithwaite (DJ Genesis) who are both truly amazing, Kerine Miller – along with a whole bunch of other people including a lot of my fans! I just wanna extend my utmost gratitude to them! You all are truly amazing!! 

 

How has your life changed over the years since you have been in the 
spotlight? 

 

I’m living and learning, gaining more and more knowledge as I mature within the industry, and this has also helped me to really see people for who they are. A lot of “friends”  have fallen I can say that much, but besides that I’m loving it up! Haha. I’ve learnt so far that you may be surprised to know your silent admirers who yearn for you to succeed thereby blazing a trail of hope for them.

 
How do you feel the Industry has changed in the past 5 years? 

 

This whole Gully/Gaza charade has turned Jamaica’s music into sheer mayhem! Music Wi Seh! I also believe that Jamaicans are too focused on dancehall; don’t get me wrong I love dancehall music but we need to remember that there are other genres of music out there that are worth listening to. 

With all the excitement that has been happening between the Gaza and the 
Gully, as an entertainer you may have to come in contact or even work with 
some of these artists. 

 

How do you feel about the toll that it is taking on the Industry as a whole? 

 

From my point of view, this Gully/Gaza thing has gotten way out of hand and needs to stop. Jamaica’s motto is “Out of Many One” suh mi nuh undastan da separation sumn ya. *shakes head in disapproval* | We need to wise up & stop the foolishness! Music is a means of expression; don’t misuse/misinterpret it and turn it into something hurtful.

 
If you were not a singer, what do you think you would be doing? 

 

If I wasn’t a singer I’d definitely be in Public Relations, Communications: TV/Radio, Tourism, Travel or Linguistics. Lol.. nuff tings don’t it?.. Told you. I have big dreams and many goals & they’ll all be fulfilled. Sitting around a desk for 8 hours a day is not my thing at all. 
 
" Can't Breathe" is an exceptioinal song... How did you come up with the 
concept. and was it based on personal experience? 

 

Yes it was based on a personal experience. Haha! Yeman I’m finally admitting it. The concept just kinda fell together. There are actually two versions of the song, the first one I did was with a local producer from Mandeville called Freeze and while recording we felt like the hook needed something so we thought and thought until he said, “Cut off dem laas line deh off the hook and seh Without you I cant breathe…”  
Then I did a remake of the song with Arrows Recording, tweaked it here and there, made it more catchy and Boom! That’s a wrap !
 
I believe I heard something about you hosting a show on one of the 
networks in Jamaica. What's the experience like and how has it helped with 
your career? 

 

Yup! I co hosted Up & Live with Marlon on HYPE TV. As I said before Nyah, I wanna get into TV as well, hosting the show was amazing. I had so much fun and the chemistry was great. Nico Bam Bam was in the building as well. It has helped with my career because more people saw me and found out that “Can’t Breathe” was my song.  
 
Who are some artists/ producers that you would like to work with? 

​

I’ve just recently worked with one of them – Don Corleon. It was a very exciting experience and the chemistry in the studio was Wooo! Lol I’m all about Chemistry! Big ups mi Don! Haha. But yea.. chemistry, especially in the studio is very important to me. Others I definitely want to work with are Leftside, Russian, Equiknoxx and Jam II; and of course international acts like Polow Da Don and Timbaland, just to name a few. 
 
When Denyque is not in the studio making hits, what are some of the things 
you like to do in your spare time? 

 

If I’m not writing or voicing I’m definitely working out or tweeting! Lol.. Follow me guys: www.twitter.com/Denyque. I watch a lot of TV, I read a lot as well and I talk to mommy a lot on the phone because I don’t see her very often. 
 
Is there a special someone in your life? 

​

*smiles* Yes there is.. & no it’s nobody in the industry. Lol.

 
What should the fans be expecting next from Denyque ? 

​

Definitely expect bigger & better things! Listen out for Don Corleon’s new riddim, I think it’s called Feminine – it’s dropping soon & my song is called ‘Pieces’. I’m also on Equiknoxx’s next juggling & also a probable single. Also, I’m working with Kalico Productions & U.I.M Productions who are two upcoming production teams. My song for U.I.M is a female empowerment song called ‘Strut (Oo Na Na)’ and believe me, my girls are gonna LOVE it! So keep it going guys! Promise I won’t let you down. I’m going inn! *smiles*

 
Any advice for upcoming artist? 

 

Of course!

Listen to me now.. Dream BIG! The sky’s NOT the limit – the limit is beyond the sky; so Fly! Don’t ever let anyone shatter your dreams and tell you your goals are unreachable. We all as humans are capable of great things, remember God made us in His image. 
 
Is there anything that you would like to tell your fans? 

​

My Fans! I loooove y’all so much. It’s really unbelievable how much you’ve stuck with me and pushed me & I wanna thank you for your continued support and thanks to the new ones and the ones to come. Keep the love coming, I wont let you down I promise! MWAH!