GUYANESE-born Toneika Tacie Thompson, who migrated to Barbados when she just two years old, always had in mind becoming a professional singer, especially as her dad fostered this desire in her by gifting her musical instruments every Christmas time.

“All of my Christmas gifts from my dad used to be a musical instrument. If not a piano, a guitar with a mike, a drum, etc. Everything was music, music, music,” the singer/song writer/performer told the Chronicle recently.
Toneika, 27, completed her schooling in Barbados and attended the University of the West Indies to study English and Communications. Although she was living in Barbados, she often travelled to Guyana to spend time.
Her first song, which she recorded in 2006, was called “Infatuation.” This was after she entered the Ian Johnson competition here and won. Her first performance on television, though, dated back to when she was just 8 years old. “My first performance on TV was in primary school.”
She was eight years old and was the lead singer for the group on television’s “Time to Sing.”
She also had her own band in secondary school for which she was the lead singer. “I got together with my school principal who believed in me very much and took me on every audition there was.”
Toneika recalled that her dad also played a role in her career choice. “My dad pushed me in that direction and he made me believe in myself more.”

Guyana and Barbados Jubilee
Toneika is here this time around to share in Guyana’s jubilee celebrations. “I am here for the jubilee this time and I am so excited about it. My song, 50th Jubilee, has been playing non-stop. I wanted to work with some producers from over here so I recorded the 50th Jubilee song with Ruff Kut.”
Tonieka will be performing in Washington DC next month at an event that Carib Nation has organized to celebrate both Guyana’s and Barbados’ jubilee year. Barbados will also be 50 on November 30. “I basically want to carry the flag of my country. And being that I am from both places, it makes much sense for me.”
The mini tour, starting on June 17, will take Toneika to Delaware, Washington, Virginia, Madison Square and Merlin. She will also perform at a private function at the Embassy of Guyana in Washington DC.
Toneika definitely sees herself pressing on in her career and taking her music to higher levels. She is also hoping to one day get on the X Factor Show in the United Kingdom.
Toneika is mother to one son, Element.

(Telesha Ramnarine)