The Jamaica Observer’s Entertainment Desk continues with the eighth in its series during Child Month highlighting some of Jamaica’s young performers who shot to stardom.

Mention the name Alaine, and reggae fans globally will think of the songbird who, over the years, has amassed an impressive list of local hits. However, for Jamaicans of a certain age, memories of a perky seven-year-old pitching the ‘’five per cent mortgage revolution” for Victoria Mutual Building Society will immediately come to mind.

Alaine was born into music. She will tell you that she has been singing [and playing music] from before she knew herself. Her mother, Myrna Laughton, was a local performer on the cabaret circuit and therefore music, singing and entertainment has always been part of her existence.

“It has always been my life. For me, music is normal and my parents always encouraged me to sing and express myself. I do it every day, from the moment I wake up, so it always feels natural she to me,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

“My parents always told me ‘you are a star’ and have poured that level of confidence in me regarding my talents and capabilities. So even when there are butterflies and nervousness ahead of a performance, my radio show, or a television appearance, deep inside I know that I am able, because of that confidence spoken into me by my parents.”

That confidence was apparent when she lit up television screens pitching the mortgage plan.

“I don’t remember how I got the job. Not sure if I auditioned. What I do recall is recording the jingle with Boris Gardiner [renowned Jamaican musician]. I was so excited to be in the studio and hearing back my voice. Then the TV commercial was shot over two days — one day in studio and the other day at somebody’s house. I remember the pink and white frilly dress and the white shoes and socks. I don’t think I knew what a mortgage was, but I did my best. Then once it started to air, seeing and hearing myself on radio and television was another level of excitement.”

Alaine sees this as a watershed moment in her career, as she became a household face, instantly recognised in public as the ‘Five Per Cent Mortgage Girl’.

“I remember shopping for school shoes at Lee’s with daddy. A group of children started looking my way and shouting ‘Five per cent girl’ . It felt like they were chasing me. I just remember daddy picking me up, running out of the store, stuffing me into the car and driving away. This was a little weird as Jamaicans don’t really make much of local stars,” Alaine noted.

The Victoria Mutual pitch would open doors for a young Alaine. She would become a member of the Jamaican Folk Singers, and recalled sitting at the feet of the late musicologist and social anthropologist Dr Olive Lewin, who was the founder of the group. She would learn folk songs and travel across the country performing with the group. This would also lead to her guesting on her mother’s cabaret shows at Corporate Area hot spots such as the Jonkanoo Lounge and Natalie’s, as well as earning gigs of her own.

It would also lead to earning a role in the 1988 drama Clara’s Heart starring Whoopi Goldberg, Michael Ontkean, Kathleen Quinlan, and a young Neil Patrick Harris.

“I can clearly remember the audition for this one. It was at the Trident Hotel in Portland and 400 little girls showed up for the one spot. I remember meeting the director and he asked me a few questions and I responded. I was so disappointed with my answers that I was certain they would not choose me for the role. I came out almost knowing I wasn’t going to get it, but later they told me I got it and the experience was awesome. I met Whoopi and she said I reminded her of her daughter. I had that market scene in the film with theatre legend Dorothy Cunningham and it was a great experience.”

“When the film was released, I went to Harbour View Drive-in with my parents to see it and sat on the bonnet of the car and watched until the credits rolled and I saw it…. Little Girl — Alaine Laughton. That was such a big deal for me. Then I went to school the following day like every other child, because that it just what you do,” Alaine added.

These experiences as a child star helped to prepare Alaine for the career path as a performer in adulthood.

“It my life. It has all been part of who I am now and who I am unfolding into. It has been that journey of me building my soul and being able to express my purpose through music. All this has been for good and I am grateful.”

With a music career spanning nearly two decades, Alaine is known for songs including No Ordinary Love, Deeper, Dreaming Of You, and Sacrifice. She is also a disc jock on the Kingston-based radio station Edge 105 FM.

If and when she becomes a parent, Alaine said she would have no hesitation encouraging her child into a life of performance, if that is what he or she wants.

“Becoming a mother would be such a blessing. I would me more than willing to support and be their biggest cheerleader if that is what the Creator has inspired them to do. This is my story so why would I not want to share this with my own child,” she stated.