Clearly, Alibra is ahead of the game

It is a rare thing when you meet an artiste who c****ines stunning good looks with great intelligence and extraordinary vocal talent. But Alibra belongs to that rare species of artistes, and she is ready to take her place in the music business.

She has been b****ing radio into submission with her current single, Clearly, which has been in constant rotation on Power 96 and Wave Radio in New York and Florida, as well as on ZIP 103FM and Irie FM. Other singles doing well include the syrupy-sweet collaboration Not Controlling You with Pinchers.

Clearly has become somewhat of a female anthem.

Elise Kelly said it is a female anthem, not derogatory, I am pro-woman, not anti-male. Every line came from my life, it is about people in general and the fact they want to dictate, even something as trivial as how you dress, it can be an issue to people, the Old Harbour High graduate said.

"It is not a relationship song, it is an empowerment song.

Alibra has been aggressively promoting the music videos for the Clearly and In My World, and under the guidance of the shrewd Clifton Lawrence, C.E.O. of Five Star Records, she has matured into a creative dynamo who is looking to break onto the scene in a big way.

I am happy with how things are going right now, there are always more doors which can be opened. I need to do more shows and more recordings, but I am taking it one step at a time. Next year, I hope to grace the stage of Reggae Sumfest, that is one of my biggest dreams, she said.

Alibra has been doing music professionally for the last five years but she has seemed to come into her own recently with some sparkling performances during the KLAS-In Season school tour.

The KLAS school tour was a great opportunity, you both connect with the people who are performing and the ones who are listening, it gave me great exposure and constantly performing, it helps you as an artiste, honing and perfecting your craft, Alibra said.

Alibra has done top class c****inations including one with decorated dancehall artiste Beenie Man, and others with the likes of Chuck Fenda, Tanto Metro, and the legendary Pinchers.

Many Jamaicans may still remember not just her beautiful face but also her captivating vocals from the Tastee Talent Contest in 2000 when she won Best Dress and Star Search at Traxx where she not only won a segment but went on to gain invaluable experience and links. After her segment ended on Traxx, she was immediately waltzed away by producer Mikey Bennett who asked her to do a single.

Alibra went on to grace the stage at Bling Dawgs Summer Jam and the annual De La Vega City Dance. She has performed on some of the biggest and best dancehall shows inside of the United States, including Irie Jamboree in Queens, NY, Reggae Fest in New Jersey, and Grand Prix in the Bronx. Although she was born in Kingston and grew up in Spanish Town.

For Alibra, the next step will be her debut album that will introduce her to an international audience.

I am working on an album, I have about seven tracks complete so far, and I am trying to get the right mix of songs and the best quality of work out there, she said.