Out of Many

My heart was beating fast and my stomach instantly started to turn, as I awaited the results. No, I wasn’t sick or in a doctor’s office waiting for the results of a test. I was actually sitting on my couch, body crouched over, watching tv; waiting for Carson Daly to announce this season’s winner on “The Voice.” None of the contestants I knew personally, but one truly represented my heart and my home – Tessanne Chin.

While known among the reggae circuit for a few years now, Tessanne broke into mainstream America this past September, when she entered the blind auditions for “The Voice.” People immediately knew she was going to be a force to be reckoned with, when all four judges wanted to mentor her, during that initial audition. She decided to go with judge Adam Levine of Maroon 5. A decision I’m sure she was happy she made.

In addition to her strong stage presence and heartfelt singing, Tessanne has showed people the true meaning of Jamaica’s motto – “Out of Many, One People.” If she were living in America, this part Chinese, part Cherokee, part Black young woman would be forced to identify with one group and place herself in a category. But having been born on an island where people may look differently, but all sound the same, Tessanne had one answer for the question of, “where are you from.” Her answer was simply, “I am Jamaican.” In their homes around the world, I’m sure fellow Jamaicans nodded in agreement.

As the winner of this season’s show, Tessanne has done her part in bringing Jamaica to the forefront. Facebook and other social media networks were alive last night with comments from Jamaicans back home and in the Diaspora, congratulating Tessanne on her performance and making her country proud. As she moves forward with her singing career, I hope Tessanne continues to touch hearts with her songs and make Jamaica proud.

#teambreadandbutta