GUYANESE songstress, Tonieka Thompson last evening launched her long- awaited video for her hit song, ‘Feva’ at the Privilege nightclub. The event was an intimate gathering of followers, friends and family, and was well received by all.
Tonieka has been heating up the airwaves in the past few months, and has been making a name for herself, gaining much traction on the Guyanese music scene.
But this 27-year-old songstress is nowhere near ready to slow the momentum which she has so successfully gained.
With her upcoming EP, ‘Feva’, about to be launched, featuring chart-topping singles like the title track, ‘Feva’, ‘Relationship’ and ‘50th Jubilee’, Tonieka is about to set ablaze the music scene while representing her birthplace, Guyana, to the fullest.
Tonieka was born on January 15, 1989 in Guyana, but her mother moved to Barbados with Tonieka and her siblings when Tonieka herself was still very young, making the beautiful island her family’s new home.

ALWAYS IN MIND
But Guyana has always been part of her heart, as it was the place she spent Christmas with her now late father, a memory that is embedded in her mind and which has helped to mold fond sentiments of her birthplace.
Tonieka’s love for music began at an early age, as she could be found belting out random tunes, and practising her writing skills as a little girl.
When she decided once and for all that singing was more than a hobby, but a passion, a young Tonieka decided that nothing would stop her from achieving her goal.
The earliest memories of her professional singing career saw her working with local producer, Ian Johnson in 2007, where she recorded her first two tracks, ‘Infatuation’  and ‘Can You Handle This’ as part of a local duo.
Tonieka then went on to work on other solo projects in Barbados shortly after, while performing at events in and out of the island.
From investing in studio sessions and writing songs every chance she got, this determined artiste knew that though it wouldn’t be easy, the only way to achieve her dreams would be to push on through, even when the odds seemed against her. She admits making a lot of sacrifices to get where she is today.

TAKE A TURN
In fact, she it was due to her determination that her career took a turn for the better. On the cusp of Guyana’s 50th Independence, Tonieka wanted to pay homage to her country, but was told that it was too late to do so.
Ignoring naysayers, she teamed up with Ruff Cut Studios and recorded ‘50th Jubilee’; and it was this bold move that changed the course of things.
Tonieka’s song caught the attention of Karib Nation Inc. which was hosting the Caribbean American Heritage Month event in June 2016 in honour of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of both  Barbados and Guyana.
With her dual heritage, Tonieka and her talent were seen as ideal for the job. She was then invited to be part of the Jubilee Tour which allowed her to travel the US to showcase her talent.
While there, Tonieka took the chance to develop her talent and create connections, working with celebrity voice coach, Elaine Overholt, and hitting the studios to record an additional six tracks. It was there that the music video for ‘Feva’ was also shot.

MOST MEMORABLE
Tonieka’s most memorable performances during the tour include CARIFESTA in Washingon D.C.,  and the Guyana Embassy’s 50th Jubilee Celebration (Tea, Champagne & Fashion).
She has also enjoyed performances at the Caribbean Style and Culture Fashion Showcase at the University of Maryland, Guyana Day in Washington, D.C. and the Jerk and Wine Festival in Bowie, MD.
As she continues to reach for the sky, this Guyanese girl is determined to push her Guyanese heritage, as she believes that Guyana has much talent that needs to be showcased, and artistes who get a chance to represent their country should take the opportunity in an aim to draw attention to the gifts that Guyana has to offer.
Moreover, Tonieka’s drive also lies in honouring her father, who, to this day, she says, is her biggest fan.