The road to recognition for even the most talented artistes can be a long slow grind. Oftentimes, even ultra-talented artistes end up spending years working as session musicians and background singers before they are able to emerge as stars in their own right. Such is the case with Abby Dallas, the winner of the Jamaica 50th Anniversary Popular Song Contest with the song Real Born Jamaican.
Abby Dallas first came to prominence in 2005 when, as a student representing Bridgeport High School, she won a number of awards, including Most Outstanding Junior Vocalist, from the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC).
Abby’s outstanding vocal talent won her a scholarship to the Edna Manley College of Performing and Visual Arts, where she gained a diploma in Music Performance. A successful solo career appeared to be the logical next step for her; however, like many females in the competitive male-dominated reggae scene, she found the going tough to get her solo career off the ground.
Consequently, when she got the opportunity to work as a background singer for reggae superstar Diana King, she gladly accepted the offer. She has spent much of the last couple of years touring with Diana King and also singing background for Tanya Stephens.
When not on the road, she has done session and backing work for reggae legends such as Dean Fraser, Shaggy, and Yellowman. All this time while she was learning from the greats, she was looking forward to kick-starting her solo career when the right opportunity came around.
That opportunity presented itself in late 2013 when she was approached by One Jam Music and DreZion to join their roster.
Fast forward to first quarter 2014 and Abby has three songs in rotation: From My Heart, a lovers rock ballad produced by Cutty Ranks, Destined for Love, a lovers rock duet with JayQ, and Extraordinary (I am that Girl), a solo effort on the gritty Harder than Hard dancehall beat. These songs showcase her wide vocal range and versatility and are earning her comparisons to reggae songbirds Tessanne Chin and Diana King.
With a couple more big tunes and at least one video slated for release before the summer, Abby Dallas looks destined to have a breakout year in 2014.
