Let me begin our conversation from the subject of your last album, entitled "AgirLnaMeKING", which was released in November 2011. This was your first solo project after a few years break. The original version of the CD was released in Japan a year earlier - in 2010 under the name "Warrior Gurl". Tell me, how would you rate this album from the perspective of these past years? Is it met your expectations?

I love all my albums but I am most proud of 'AgirLnaMeKING' because I did it all by myself. It was a very depressing time for me because at the time I was diagnosed with "MS" (Multiple Sclerosis) and was told I may never walk again. So I decided to build a home studio - used my pain to learn Pro-toolsŸ and taught myself how to play the piano enough to record these songs. It felt great and the more I wrote and produced the songs, the better my health got without any drugs. It was a very mystical time working on this album and one that I'll never forget. I am now a strong believer that MUSIC HEALS.
 

The album contains 13 songs full of energy and rhythm. One of the singles that promote the CD was the track called "Jeanz N T-Shirt". I really like the music video for this song. 
What was your idea to record "AgirLnaMeKING"? I have a feeling that you decided to change a bit your current style?

This is one of my favorite songs because it subconsciously speaks about the struggles society puts on us to 'fit in' when you just want to be yourself, to be YOU. I don't think my style changed but I'd love to think it has evolved. My music has always been a mixture of genres seasoned with reggae. I love that about my style.
 

I asked about your last album because in my opinion, it perfectly sums up your previous achievements and shows the fullness of your talent. But I get the impression that you are a bit underrated. Don’t you have the feeling that, despite of many of your successes, collaboration with artists such as Notorious B.I.G. and Brian McKnight, people still associate you mostly with the song "Shy Guy," which appeared on the soundtrack to the "Bad Boys" movie? Have you ever had a grudge against fate, that this one particular song had influenced your future career?

Never a grudge but it took me a little time and some misery to understand how things work in the music business and life in general, and now I do. Many artists only wish they could record a song like "Shy Guy" and I have, so it's how you choose to look at it. I am a "glass half full" type of girl. Take right now for example, if it wasn't for that song, I wouldn't be doing this interview and talking about my latest indie album.  It's all about gratitude, you see? Gratitude makes more great things happen and even though they may not be the same, it's still awesome.
 

Well, I remember when I first heard "Shy Guy" and "Ain’t Nobody". I tell you frankly that I fell in love with you and these recordings. Both songs came from your first album "Tougher Than Love," which was released in 1995. How do you remember the recording session of this album? What were your expectations for its release?

No one imagined such a success, myself included. We were all taking a chance. I believed in myself but I remember being very scared that my fusion blend would not be liked because nothing like that was playing on the radio and there is this unspoken pressure to fit into a category. I always had an issue with that so it was a pleasure when it was successful. The first song I wrote for that album was "Shy Guy" and to be honest, it was all about me. I  remember not wanting it to be the first single but I was out voted by my team and they were so right. We wrote that whole album in about 15 days, a song a day.
 

That what mostly caught my attention while listening to your recordings, and what probably decide that they are so unique, is their diversity. You were born in Spanish Town in Jamaica, which undoubtedly has left its mark on your work. I'm curious how would you describe your music - a style in which you make your recordings? Well, I have a feeling that it's not easy to classify you into one genre of music.

That’s true, my music does not fit to any category really and the rebel in me loves it, I hate boxes. In Jamaica I grew up listening to every genre. There were only two stations so I was exposed to all that was happing 'out there' at the time including my own music, reggae. When I started to write songs all the music I loved like R&B, Dance and ReggaeRap merged together to create my own, yet to be name music. I call it 'Mongrel' .. more and more I hear other artist do it. It may not incorporate Reggae but they are definitely mixing genres. I guess we all ends up in POP.
 

Maybe I shouldn’t ask about it, but in no way this is an attempt to breach your privacy. I hope you won’t feel offended. In June 2012, you wrote on your Facebook account that you're a lesbian. I believe that this wasn’t an easy decision for you. Tell me please, what did you think back then? Why did you decide on the public disclosure of that fact? You didn't have to do that ...

I believe I did have to do it because that's how it is. It would be great if none really cared but they do and as a public figure who has always been true to myself it was only natural. Since social media artists are more vocal with their fans so that's all that was really … another day of sharing something I was no longer afraid to share. I had a moment of courage and I took it.
 

What was the reaction of your family, your friends? For many people love to representatives of the same sex is a crime. Weren't you afraid that this message will negatively affect on your further music career?

I know this much. You cannot live your life in fear, you might as well be dead. My family and close friends already knew and if you no longer show me love because of my sexuality then I'm fine with that. My music does not discriminate and I never will. It's always better to be who you are so the right people will love you.
 

On December 2012 you received a "Vanguard Award" at the Out Music Awards in Las Vegas. You were the first Jamaican artist to ever publicly came out. How important is this award for you? What did you feel when you received it?

It was an honor. I never thought be "that Jamaican artist" or that I'd receive an award for bravery. It actually feels better that  getting one for music.
 

Let us now return to the subject of music. What are your plans for the coming months? When can we expect your new album?

I'm always working on new music at home. I want to release something new soon but I'm superstitious so I won't say much. I will add though that this time I will stick to a category of either House/Dance or Reggae :)
 

On 2010 you launched your own label called Think Like A Girl Music Inc. Where did this idea come from?? Having your own record label gave you the freedom and independence, am I right?

The thought became concrete when I joined myspace years ago. I was unable to upload my hit songs because even though I had written them I did not own the masters. I wanted to own my intellectual properties, they are what we leave behind. So I decided to work making that dream a reality and it came true in 2010. I'm the only one on the label so far but I'm using this time to learn more from the release of my own indie album before I take on other artists.
 

At the end, please tell me, what are your musical influences? What music do you listen to in your free time?

I love Chaka Khan, Anita Baker, Whitney, Bob Marley. I still listen to everything like I did growing up, no specific artist no specific genre but if I need a boost in good energy I listen to DISCO. My musical taste runs the gamut. I dig anything that feels good and music that challenges my vocal range.
 

Thank you that you agreed to do this interview. I am your very grateful for that. It was a great honor for me. Thank you once again and I wish you many future successes.

Thank you. I was my pleasure. All the best  to you.
 

Journalist: Kamil Mroziński