Born in Kingston, Jamaica on a cold Wednesday morning in May , Fiona Robinson announced her arrival to the world.
After the first five to six years of her life were spent with her grandmother in Tivoli Gardens, Fiona moved to Washington Gardens to be closer to her mother. It was during this time she realized her budding passion for music and singing.
Surrounded by aunts and uncles who were in choirs, a father who is a drummer, another uncle who was a DJ on JBC radio and Power FM and family friends such as Dean Frazier, Fiona's musical journey was just about to begin.
On many Sundays she would listen to her uncle rotate his DJ selections for his upcoming radio slot. Soon, Fiona knew most of the songs she heard and had committed to memory including the Bob Marley special played by her Father when she was only three years old, and she could sing along with them as confidently as Bob Marley himself.
A student of Mico Practicing All Age School, Fiona remembers prior student Nadine Sutherland visiting the school after she became a household name and watching her fellow students full of excitement. Fiona dreamed of the same success and became even more determined to make it as a singer, telling herself "I want to be her someday!"
She began singing at Raleigh's Key Club while still at school and, as a poetic youngster, she found it easy to write lyrics, putting them to music from an early age. Influenced by some of the great divas of that time, Pam Hall, Marcia Griffiths, Chevelle Franklin, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle, Brandy and Monica amongst others.
During her young teens, Fiona participated in a concert program for young talent presented by Jamaica's JBC television station. Her audition piece was a rendition of a popular Regina Belle song, and this performance caught the producer's attention and earned her a regular spot on the weekly show "Concert Time." From there she was included in many similar productions including the premiere spot at the "Santa's Enchanted Village"- a Christmas type grotto, where she sang in several performances over the course of the evening. Fiona sang every song in accapella and wooed the audience evening after evening.
She was discovered in her later teen years answering the phone one afternoon, she was asked to hold the line for a moment; Fiona continued singing to herself without realizing that the person on the other end of the phone was producer Kelvin Simmons who returned to the phone thinking that the radio was playing. As soon as he discovered it was the same young lady who had answered the phone, he did not waste any time!
Within days Fiona found herself in the studio recording her first single. She describes her first experience in the studio as a totally incredible, actually being in a studio where other great artists had probably stood and sang before her! Nevertheless, a natural in the studio, Fiona recorded her first single "You Mean The World To Me" previously done by Toni Braxton and, Fiona even sang her own backing vocals, something that the studio crew found quite remarkable for such a new artiste.
Now a second home to her, Fiona found herself in the studio on a regular basis from 17 years of age, juggling a job and studio work. This led to her eventually meeting sound engineer Jason Sterling and producer Lloyd Campbell who were ready to take her to the next level of her career.
Fiona's first recording on the Joe Frasier record label was "For You I Will" a cover version of a Monica song. This was musically her first big project in the studio, as she met with other vocalists who helped her develop her vocal skills. She also developed a deeper knowledge of backing vocals during this time and also a good strong work ethic. What she remembers most was how she felt so good to be surrounded by continuous positive vibes. Now that she was on her way forward, she had people around her who could really project her into the career she had always dreamt of being a part of.
As Fiona's recording career grew, she found herself meeting and working with some of the best artists, producers, engineers and musicians in the industry. From Pam Hall who she describes as her teacher, and one of her biggest fans, to Richie Stevens, Tanto Metro & Devonte, Patrick Roberts, J.C. Lodge, the late Cynthia Sloss, Glen Washington, Lukie D, Mr.Lex, Singing Melody, Rik Rok, Shaggy, Kashief and Nikeisha Lindo, Willie Lindo, Kirk Davis (Little Kirk) Jon B. and the infamous Beenie Man, whom she had the privilege of being on tour with in Japan
One of her most memorable occasions to date, was her performance at South Florida's Reggae Soca Awards in 2001. This is where Fiona won an award for "Female Vocalist Of The Year," her second award in this category and a very special moment for her receiving this award and, she took time to acknowledge her mother who flew in from Jamaica to be with her on this prestigious event, at which time Fiona broke into tears because her Mother plays the most important role in her life; her number one fan. Fiona took center stage and was able to perform a song she loved, in a style that her fans could really appreciate. "No More Lonely Nights" was the track she chose and it was received incredibly well by her audience.
So several years later after Fiona first entered the recording studio, where is Fiona now compared to her peers? "Well there isn't any competition between us female singers, we all love each other" says Fiona. As the proud recipient of several music awards, it's obvious where her fans rate her. It isn't a competition to Fiona, who has worked alongside many of her female counterparts.
Fiona has recently released a gospel album in the UK, aptly titled "He Cares" that boasts a different type of gospel music, not a traditional sound, but ranging from reggae through jazz, Hip Hop and R&B influences.
Her first album released with Joe Frasier Records in 1999 "Fiona's Moment" is followed by her latest release "Wanna Make Love". An album that promises to take you on a musical journey from its opening melody to the very last beat. It boasts 18 superb songs on CD ranging from gospel inspired tracks, conscious lyrics, heart warming love songs to uplifting fast moving melodies, guaranteed to lift your mind, body and soul.
The songstress' latest offering is her debut single — a digital release only — on the new Citizen K Productions music label (formerly CanJa Sounds Music) entitled "Some Things Never Change". The latter is further proof of Fiona's ability to deliver worthwhile efforts within the Lovers Rock genre. Her melodic and mesmerizing vocal delivery, well-known to those who have followed her throughout the years, comes to full expression over a silky smooth reggae track from musician/producer Kevin "Spyda" Brown. Great to hear when you're in a romantic mood.
Fiona is now one of reggae's most familiar female voices. With four previous VP albums to her credit and countless appearance as a background vocalist, her sound is at once familiar and inviting. More Than Words is the perfect showcase for Fiona's talents, blending well know hits and newly recorded originals. As well as co-writing a number of tracks on the album, Fiona is a co-producer with Jason Sterling (Jasfar Productions). First single 'Stop Talking' on the Jah Live riddim is produced by Lloyd Campbell (Joe Fraser Productions) & Dean Fraser.
View all Fiona tour dates
