Teena Marie’s love affair with reggae music began as far back as the early 1980’s. When she decided to incorporate reggae on her album Congo Square, she reached out to Jamaican singer and dancer Rovletta Fraser.

Fraser, who honed her craft as a member of the Little People Teen Players and Ashe ensemble, had been performing as a backup singer with Damian Jr Gong Marley.

“I brought in Rovletta who is a singer and dancer from Jamaica to work on my album. She did some background work and we did a song called Rovletta’s Jass. I loved how she spoke the patois on the record, she’s absolutely amazing,” recalled Teena Marie.

Asked how she made the link to Fraser, Teena Marie explained “One of my best friends Tracey sings with Ziggy Marley and that’s how we met up with Rovletta.”

Fraser described the experience working with Teena Marie as an exciting one. “We just vibed in her home studio and it was just amazing not only to have to met such a talented person but also a warm person.”

“I learnt a lot from her musically and singing wise. The whole experience was more of an appreciation for me where music is concerned and how serious she took her music and her career. There are no words best to described and I was honored to be in her presence,” added Fraser.

Fraser said she was in California when the link with Teena Marie came about. “It’s like the job was there waiting for me and it was amazing experience for me.”

— Teena Marie