Allan Kent with Tameka at Mardi Gras April 16th 09
Influences
Five Star, Boy George, Janet Jackson, Prince (and the Minneapolis sound),Mary J Blige, Aaliyah, TLC, Livin Joy, Xscape,Mocheeba,Janis Joplin,PINK,Martha Wash, Diana Ross, Selena, ...and so on and so on and so on!
..Tameka started off singing in gospel choirs at an early age. Even as a young girl she loved the way music made her feel. Through her singing she was able to express herself in ways she didn’t know she could. She remembers sitting for hours listening and learning from some of her favourite performers. She quotes…”I love Motown, Soul, R&B, Gospel, Hip Hop, Old Skool, Electronica, Acid, Rock, House, etc…..”
As a young adult Tameka ventured into punk, rock and alternative music. She headed her own band, which was in the style of Republica, Elastica, Garbage, Pat Benatar etc. The band travelled all around the country. After a few years she decided to spread her wings and venture out on her own, pursuing a solo career. Her first taste of stardom came when she was approached by Ceta Veta to collaborate with them with her lyrical input on “You Take Me Higher” (which peaked high in the dance charts).This got Tameka onto BBC 1 TOP OF THE POPS. During this time Tameka (her real name) was known as Shakira (no not the Latin Shakira). During the 90’s her vocals were used on many white labels and dance tracks.
During one of her solo performances (in 1991) a researcher for a new TV show called “Stars In Their Eyes” approached her and said she had the look and sound of Janet Jackson. They invited her to perform on the show. She was backed by several dancers as she performed “Rhythm Nation”. What “wowed” the audience with the intricate dance moves and her “spot on” vocals. Her career as Janet began.
At one point, Janet Jackson herself picked Tameka out of several Janet impersonators/tributes to represent her in Germany for Pepsi. Tameka travelled to Germany and was received and treated like a star. She worked closely with Janet’s dancers and personal friends.
Tameka was then labelled the official number one Janet tribute in the country. Janet also wanted Tameka to close her concerts for her (so she could make a quick get-a-way) during her “All For You” tour in 2001, in England. That was the tour that didn’t happen as Janet didn’t want to travel after 9/11.
Tameka performed as Janet for 10 years. During the time Tameka performed as Janet she also did her own solo PA's,working closely with dj's and A&R/Promoters working on new dance projects etc.
Besides TOP OF THE POPS, Tameka could also be seen on various tv shows such as: THE MAG (MTV), THE WORD (interviewed by the late Paula Yates), THIS MORNING with Richard and Judy, POPPELGANGER, CACTUS TV, PEBBLE MILL, etc...plus numerous radio interviews across the country and abroad.
The days of Shakira are gone, but the multi talented singer, Tameka has come through with a vengeance. Vocal wise, you can’t beat her. Any style, she can do it. She’s always up for a challenge.
Tameka is climbing to new heights with many projects in store. She has emerged back onto the dance scene and is the newest member of CONTROL, famous for the 1991 dance chart hit "Dance With Me (I'm Your Ecstacy)". Tameka and Mark (CONTROL) have just released their new single, "Love". You will be hearing it various clubs around the world, but It can be downloaded on Juno, Beatport and soon iTunes. Listen for yourself!
Just recently Tameka performed to a huge audience, in Stockholm, Sweden at Europride. She also performed (3rd year in row) at Blackpool Pride, UK. Currently is working with those involved with other Pride festivals around the globe as she is a much sought after high energy performer and is much loved within the gay community.
Tameka has performed all over the globe, from various clubs in the USA to the Scandinavian countries, Germany, Bahrain, Netherlands, UK, etc.........
Tameka is one performer you should NOT miss!!!
FOR PA's .. CONTACT MARK COOPER www.myspace.com/wwwmyspacecomcontrol
FOR PA'S ON TAMEKA (solo) or SESSION WORK, CONTACT:-
Julie Foss
abfab100@hotmail.co.uk
TAMEKA IS A MEMBER OF THE MUSICIANS UNION
WE ARE DELIGHTED TO BE IN YOUR CIRCLE OF FRIENDS. IF YOU HAVE TIME, WOULD YOU MIND CHECKING OUT OUR NEW RELEASE...(CAUGHT UP) AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK. ALWAYS APPRECIATE YOUR TIME AND COMMENTS....HAVE A WONDERFUL MONDAY AND LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU,
Oops...and I meant to say...Don't forget to check out that 'Noisettes' song that I was telling you about...It's GREAT! It's hard to believe that the 'Golden Oldie' still checks the charts, and still enjoys the new bands....But I certainly do!
Hi Tameka, Just wanted to tell you that we all had a great time last night and your show was fantastic. You really can't beat a bit of Tamla Motown in my opinion...I love it! I haven't danced that much in ages. Love, Carole x
Surreptitious whispers rise to greet prevailing winds hidden forever in the ever changing coarse, billowing breezes foretell relief, never to be unlocked unspoken utterance's snare in eternity's hush!
May the winds of mirth aways be beneath your wings!
Birth from fear of misjudging cries, into the lair of obscurity we persist, beneath the veil of normalcy, our invisibility is were we thrive, emboldened by our refusal of the closet dwelling. We flourish knowing our reality exists just beyond our quintessential uniqueness!
As the moon pass the deep blue sky an midnight's velvet canvas descend covering the mellow veneer of dusk into twilight's goodnight quiet kiss, the universe slumbers with thee!
Imagines of dance in the mind blinded I see, eclipse by the essences of she, I retreat into sublime paradise enveloped in erotic rapture , her name slips from my lips into the warmth of the summer breezes, never to be whispered again!
Lovin the CD cover
