Brought up in a music-oriented family, the beautiful Kelissa McDonald is another emerging female element in the fresh wave of reggae artistes today.

Kelissa — her stage name — has travelled to various parts of the world, but has not forgotten her roots.

Born and raised in St Andrew, Jamaica, Kelissa knew from a very early age that music was her calling.

Her parents were lead vocalists in the reggae band Chakula, so musical creativity was a constant feature in the home. She even featured on a children’s album produced by her mother, named Goldilocks.

Now a full-grown reggae musician, Kelissa feels she has a social responsibility to bring her positive music across to serve as upliftment. Her conscious music so far has been mostly influenced by Rastafari and African culture from her travels to and sojourn in countries such as Tanzania, Ethiopia and Ghana.

She wants to bring more of the vibrant African culture into Jamaican reggae, as, “we know we are from Africa but don’t know enough about African culture”.

Promoting a clean, charming image and armed with a strong voice and flawless pitches, Kelissa’s most popular singles are Tomorrow Never Comes, Afrika, Selassie I Way and Love Letter. Gideon — featuring her brother Keznamdi — is also a great listen. The young singer has also opened for fellow reggae necomer Chronixx and has released an EP Rebel In Disguise, which includes six tracks.