They might have been reduced in numbers but former Rising Stars group Que has said it is ready for the music world after being relatively quiet since exiting the competition back in 2005.

Damarah Danni and Kalvin Tahal, now form a duo. The other two members were Peter Edwards and Jerome Powell. The group finished fifth in the competition which was later won by Christopher Martin.

que

Since their elimination, the group, according to Danni, has been doing a lot of underground work and have done several projects with Beres Hammond and legendary producers Cleevie and the late Steely.

Songs like Dem Fi Leave, Real Friends, Miss You, Shut Up and Changes have all been recorded and released on Cleevie and Steely’s music production.

“We have always had songs playing on the radio but we were not that visible in the streets,” said Danni, who, along with Tahal, part-owns S-Lock Entertainment, a new label based in Patrick Gardens.

Throughout Rising Stars, Que, who were among the contestants favoured to win, displayed creativity in their weekly performances until a below-par rendition of Dion and The Belmonts’ Teenager In Love, led to what many thought was their downfall.

Looking back, they admitted it’s something they have taken valuable lessons from and would now inject in their future performances. They said the exposure gained from the competition was tremendous and one they are taking full advantage of.

still difficult

“It (Rising Stars) took a lot of weight off our shoulders in terms of publicity. However, in the streets it’s a completely different thing, you don’t just go on television like that unless you’re shooting a video and, even that, it’s still difficult.

“We are very focused at the moment. We still have people (especially the girls) screaming when they see us on the street. For the five years, it wasn’t easy music-wise. Things have become better and we’re making full use of the exposure,” said Tahal.

Just after the competition, Clyde McKenzie of Shocking Vibes Production contracted them for two years and they made several appearances at stage shows like Pepsi Teen Splash, Summer Sizzle (now Beenie Sizzle), and Mountain Dew Stunt Fest.

They are also promoting two new singles, Walk Away, which was released on their Memories rhythm, and features emerging artiste RP, and Inseparable, which was recorded at House Of Hits studio, in Spanish Town, St Catherine.

Come next summer the two singers, Danni and Tahal, who graduated from St Catherine High and St Jago High, respectively, are hoping to release a debut album, which is not yet named. They have also recorded I Can’t, Not Gonna Stop and State Of Emergency.

Danni, 23, and Tahal, 22, who are both from Spanish Town addresses, described their musical careers, as progressive but won’t necessarily become complacent, as the need for a successful music career is what inspires them both.

“We want to provide great music, something new, which the ladies will love and appreciate. We want to continue to be creative, be unified as a duo. Yes, there are times when we argue, but we have one hundred per cent respect for each other and we share the same goal, which is to make positive music,” said Danni.

Source: JamaicaStar