Sensational Ishawna
Roxroy McLean,Youthlink writer

Rhythm and Blues artiste, Ishawna Smith, became an instant hit the minute she came on to the music scene. The Seaview-based singing sensation has already made an impression on the local and international stages. In 2007, she collaborated on For You with De.marco then followed that up with Put Your Hands Up, Ooh Boy, Hypnotise and Ladies Night. The niece of reggae artiste, Paul Elliot, has also worked alongside Grammy Award-winning hip hop artiste, Wyclef Jean, top local producers, Foota Hype and Shane Brown, and has made appearances at shows like Reggae Camp Fire in St Catherine, as well as others in New York, Connecticut and Antigua. Her most recent performance was at UCLA Jazz and Reggae Festival in Los Angeles, California, alongside fellow Jamaican artistes Mavado, Morgan Heritage and Cherine Anderson.

One beautiful Saturday afternoon, the 22-year-old gave Jamaica's No. 1 teen magazine an inside look at the real Ishawna Smith.

YL: Tell us about Ishawna Smith.

Ishawna Smith: Well, normally, when people look at me they immediately think that I am a hype person, but I am very down to earth.

What's the one thing about you most people don't know?

A part from music, I am very reserved. Shy but at times love to have fun.

What makes a perfect date for you?

Dinner and a movie. I like simplicity. I love to laugh and I am a very jovial person.

What are the things you look for in a guy?

He has to be jovial, ambitious, caring, kind and romantic. I am not a fan of piercings.

What are some of your favourites?

My favourite colours are hot pink, turquoise and black. My favourite fruits are oranges, bananas and grapes. My favourite persons are my parents (Jacqueline Minott and Donovan Smith) and my two-year-old son, Oshawn. My favourite movie is What's Love Got To Do With It.

Do you make a good mom, and how would you describe your son?

(Laughs). And you want me to answer that? I am definitely a great mother and my son, he's pretty handsome and has a wonderful personality. He's a sweet child and very protective of his mom.

Do you get any time to yourself, seeing that you are a young mother breaking into the music industry?

To some extent. I love to rest and I love to sleep. I go out when I am campaigning. For my spare time I will satisfy with a nice ladies' night out or watch a nice movie with my spouse.

How much effort do you put into your dressing when you are going out?

Wow! You had to ask that one. Well, there are times when I have to change at least four times.

Would you consider yourself a perfectionist?

I am, especially where my work is concerned. I always want things to be done the correct way, no matter what.

What is your favourite music group?

Destiny's Child. I love Beyoncé because she can sing, dance and act. Not often you see someone so talented. I like how she takes her work seriously.

Are you a fan of reading, and what, for you, is a must-read?

Lol. Definitely THE STAR and the Youthlink. THE STAR because it's where you get all the information in the music biz, and the Youthlink because of its lovely teen features. I feel like a teenager whenever I read it.

- Photos by Roxroy Mcclean