TEN years of recording and performing throughout her native Belgium has helped make Onesty one of that country’s popular reggae acts.

But in February, the 28-year-old singer moved to Jamaica for greater exposure. While the reggae scene in Belgium is vibrant in terms of live shows like Reggae Geel, she said media is not as receptive.

“If you’re an artiste like myself and you’re waiting to hear your songs on radio (in Belgium) you’re going to suffer,” Onesty explained.

She is hoping for an improvement in fortunes in Jamaica, which she first visited in 2008. Then, she did recording sessions with experienced musicians including drummer Leroy ‘Horsemouth’ Wallace.

Most of her songs have been produced by London-based Jermaine Forde for Ajang Music, including Life Starts, Not Good Enough and Is This Love.

Onesty is aware that just living in reggae land will not guarantee her the big break she deserves.

“I don’t want to just work with Jamaicans. I want to work with the best,” she said.

Born Tina Castello in Antwerp to a Spanish father and Belgian mother, Onesty said she discovered Jamaican music as a teenager when she attended dancehall parties in her hometown.

In the last five years, she has been an opening act at shows in Belgium for reggae/dancehall artistes like Max Romeo, Earl 16, Pressure, Red Rat and Tikenja Fakoly.

Onesty regards her maiden trip to Kingston seven years ago as an eye-opener. She saw close-up how competitive the Jamaican music scene is.

She is not intimidated.

“All I want to do is make great music, and I can do that once I’m working with people I’m comfortable with,” she said.

— Howard Campbell