By LESH
Tribune Features Reporter
acadet@tribunemedia.net
A FUSION of contemporary jazz, soul and pop, with just a touch of Goombay, characterises the style of the Bahamian songstress known as “Kim Welcome”.
With just one song released so far, Kim has already managed to make a name for herself on the local music scene. Her listeners have compared her to international singers such as Anita Baker, Phyllis Hyman and Sade.
Patrons of the Zvinos Mediterranean Tapas and Wine Lounge’s ‘Smooth Tuesdays’ can hear the sounds of Kim Welcome as she performs at the East Bay Street establishment weekly.
“We have only been at Zvinos a few weeks and we are still trying to get the word out, but it’s always a good time where people can mellow out right after work and enjoy great food, drinks and ambiance,” Kim to In Ya Ear.
“I perform familiar covers by artists like Sade, Anita Baker, Amy Winehouse, John Legend and more.”
Recalling her early days of discovering her love for music, Kim said it goes back to her high school days.
“I began singing in ninth or tenth grade when my goal to hang out with my friends after school by participating in the choir turned into an enthusiastic discovery by the choir director. I remember her calling a meeting with my parents and the principal to announce I had a natural talent that should be taken seriously and developed. She began to work with me as a soloist and though I took it for granted, that is where my journey began,” she said.
Kim said it was not until after college that she felt a strong desire to use her gift. Immediately after graduation, Kim said she opted to sing on a dinner cruise in Philadelphia as opposed to pursuing a job in marketing for which she had obtained her degree. This was short-lived, however, as her parents decided to put the pressure on her to get a “real job”, she said.
“I continued to dabble in music and other artistic expressions like voice acting. I worked part time with an entertainment company in Philadelphia, but I never felt the freedom to sincerely pursue what seemed like a frivolous dream at the time,” said Kim.
It wasn’t until a husband and three daughters later that Kim realised that no matter how she tried to ignore her love of performing, it continued to bubble up.
One day, Kim said she was contemplating what she would regret at the end of her life. This is when she knew she had to share her gift on the grandest scale possible.
“I penned, recorded and released my first single as a way to test the market. I needed to see what the response would be like before I dived in. I questioned the vision in my heart. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Without any real promotion it organically became popular as it was receiving requests from almost all the local radio stations. People connected to and were encouraged by the sentiments in my autobiographical song, ‘No More Life Livin’ Me’. So many people told me I was singing their life,” the singer said.
It became apparent that I was not the only one haunted by unfulfilled dreams. This gave my desires real purpose. I believe it is never too late to become who you were created to be and I am here to spread the word.”
Kim said there are a lot of very talented musicians and artists in the Bahamas, however, more opportunities for more exposure are still needed.
“Now that the music industry has changed and artists can use the internet to gain exposure, there are no geographical boundaries,” she said. Her future plans are to go as far as the worldwide web can take her.
Kim’s upcoming album, “Welcome Kim Welcome”, will be released sometime this year. In the meantime, she encourages her supporters to listen out for her new single from the album called “Because of Your Love”, due to hit the airways within a few weeks.
“I am also doing keynote concerts that are for companies here and abroad who are looking for something different for their conferences and corporate events. I have been dubbed as a motivational speaker by those who have attended my ‘Influential Voice’ sessions where I help professionals and companies to refine their communication skills for greater productivity and impact.
As a keynote speaker, I talk about dissolving limiting beliefs, inspired leadership, capitalising on your gifts for career advancement, purpose-driven entrepreneurship and living a life of passion. I intertwine my music to drive the message home and make the experience memorable,” she said
Kim said her “Influential Voice” business started when she noticed how many professionals and companies are hindered in their career and business advancement because they struggle to present themselves in the way they want to be perceived. She said there is not a lot of help available to assist professionals in developing their personal communication skill gaps.
“I combine the areas of discipline I have cultivated based on my educational and professional background, which include communication, sales, marketing and training as a voice actor, to help professionals increase their impact and power to influence. My clients range from individual professionals to high-end resorts, banks and more,” said Kim.
To stay in touch and up-to-date with Kim Welcome, visit her pages www.kimwelcome.com, www.facebook.com/kimmwelcome and https://twitter.com/kimmwelcome.
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