Unassuming and completely relaxed, Diana King is at ease inside the Arena @ The Acropolis. She's sipping stylishly and sharing what's been happening with her career and where she intends to take it all.

What are you sipping?

A virgin strawberry daiquiri.

Tell us about Shy Guy; that was your first big hit.

This year is the 15-year anniversary of that song and because of that I've done a remix.

And what was it like having that featured in the blockbuster movie Bad Boys?

It was a very special moment for me as a Jamaican to have music on the soundtrack of what was a megahit movie for not just the African-American culture, but pop culture as well... It was a great feat!

And then, there was Say A Little Prayer, also a soundtrack featured in My Best Friend's Wedding. How was this experience different from the first?

Say A Little Prayer was a cover, it was a suggestion from the record label and I did the reggae version and the dance-mix, and both did incredibly well.

You haven't performed for your local fans with a band since the 1990s; what can fans expect of Diana King when you perform at the Babyface concert on November 13?

I'm doing a special guest appearance, so I'll do about three or four songs… I'm very excited to be on that show.

What's been happening with Diana King?

I was sick for a while, since 2005 when I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis...as soon as I heard, I decided I wasn't going to own it. For months I couldn't walk, bathe myself or anything... I got sick of being depressed and decided to take my career into my own hands: write my own songs and do things my way.

Tell us about your new project.

It's very special because not only did I write and produce the songs myself, I also released it on my own label called Think Like A Girl. I did this because I own 100 per cent of things that I do from here on out.

What's your new album called?

Warrior Girl — the title track is a very personal testament that speaks to life in the past few years. It's been tough as a musician, for anybody… even the big names.

The United Way show is for charity; tell us some of your charitable efforts.

Personally, I'm not involved in any charity right now, whatever I can do for people I do in my own small way. But I would love to work with the Women's Centre in Kingston.

What advice do you have for females in particular who wish to pursue music?

A lot of people look at the glitzy side of this business, which is like 10 per cent... The other 90 per cent is hard work, it's a very rough business. It's going to try to break you, but the thing is to know who you are. Know yourself in order to have longevity. A lot of artistes are waiting to blow up, but you have to set yourself on fire!

Who are the new artistes you're feeling?

I've been watching Jamaica and...nothing. But I will say I really like Etana and Tessanne… Tessanne reminds me of me... maybe that's why I love her. But as a rule, the music industry is like not going anywhere. But in defence of their craft, I haven't really been here... I just see stuff on Facebook, so I can't really judge.

What are some the challenges in the music arena right now?

The lack of shows, even big artistes not getting shows.

Who is Diana King?

I'm just a simple girl, I've done all the photo shoots with fake hair, lashes and dressing up, but I've realised that I have to be true to myself...I'm just a simple girl who loves performing barefoot and rocking jeans and T-shirts, it's either you love me or leave me.

What's your essential style item?

A fabulous scarf and oh... a big ring! And my nails have to be 'did'!

Do you think you're a diva?

No… sometimes it's flattering to be called that, but it's not often positive. But if you're calling me a diva because I can sing, I'd say 'yes I am'... no to the other stuff.

In closing, what do you feel is the legacy of Diana King?

My music, what else? And that it's not what I do for myself, but for others... I could die broke, but I know I'd have given to others and enriched lives.

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