Her downtime is her me time. When singer Christa Bailey, 35, isn’t savouring her own company, she’s on stage pouring her heart into every note, basking in the joy of a passion she’s explored since childhood.
Christa’s journey has been anything but easy or privileged. Where she stands today is the result of sheer grit, determination and an unrelenting drive to craft a life on her own terms, including building a career from her greatest gift, her voice.
St LuciaTimes caught up with Christa ahead of her 2025 jazz season, where she shared the stage with the likes of Ronald Boo Hinkson, Sly and Semi Francis, to talk about all things music, identity, and the unique journey of being a Saint Lucian songstress.
KN: I read online that you were drawn to singing as early as four years old. How did that interest develop?
CB: I started singing in church, in whatever church and school choirs were around at the time, and then I joined the National Youth Choir. I was there for a while, but I got the urge to take music seriously when I received an opportunity to perform with Barbara Cadet in 2013. I did background vocals for all of her jazz performances that year. That was when I really got the urge to pursue music.
KN: What is it about that experience, and music in general, that drew you in?
CB: Simply due to the fact that it’s my happy place, you know? It’s the only time where I feel most like myself. It’s where I feel like I’m being my most authentic self. I’m happiest when I’m engulfed in music – when I’m in my element.
KN: I know it even led to you winning the Courts Karaoke competition at a young age. Can you tell me about that?
CB: Yes, I participated in the Courts Karaoke Competition. It’s actually how I was able to pay my tuition to attend the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC). I was able to buy my own schoolbooks, my school uniform, and everything.
KN: Wow. We’ll come back to that, but for now, how did you transition to being a full-time singer, performing with the likes of Barbara Cadet?
CB: What happened was, after starting my course at SALCC, I got the opportunity to be the female vocalist in a band, Prodigy. And that was actually how I was able to continue studying at SALCC, paying my weekly expenses and all of that. I was in that band for about three to four years. During that time, I continued to collaborate with people like Teddyson John, Warner Semi Francis, Derede Williams, and more… I’m trying to think of all the names, but I’ve worked with so many of them – basically, the best of the best that Saint Lucia has to offer.
KN: It seems that your talent really served you, even making it possible for you to take on SALCC. Are you comfortable sharing more on why that became your responsibility?
CB: It’s a long story, really. My situation with my family was never the most positive, you know? So, I pretty much learned that I would have to depend on myself from a very young age. Going to SALCC was pretty much my decision. I never really got any feedback from them.
KN: You’ve overcome a lot to achieve what you have, even when a career in music can be tough.
CB: I’m very grateful for my ability. It has really been my rock. It has literally been my bread and butter throughout my life. I’ve never earned a dollar doing anything else but music. So, I feel blessed. I’m grateful for the gifts that God has given me.
KN: What has been a career highlight for you?
CB: Oh, by far, my career highlight would have to be Pure Jazz last year. I got the opportunity to have my own band, and I was on stage pretty much on my own, you know? That was a big deal for me—being able to showcase my talent, especially with jazz, because I have a love for jazz and neo soul.
KN: For others who want to be professional singers, can you paint a picture of what it’s like?
CB: It’s a lot of hard work, and it takes a lot of discipline. It also requires the ability to be managed. You need to have a mindset that can receive feedback, whether positive or negative. I think that’s one of the most important things if you want to take music seriously, especially in Saint Lucia. Have the mindset to listen to our elders, learn from their experiences, and take in their criticism. I think a lot of young people today have a really hard time receiving encouragement and advice from those who came before us. I think that one is very key.
KN: Any experienced musicians in particular that you look up to?
CB: By far, Boo Hinkson is… I would pretty much, at this point, call him my mentor. I’d say he’s the one who has believed in me the most, who has championed me the most. And the other person I’d have to say is Barbara Cadet. I probably wouldn’t even be in this industry if it weren’t for her. She was the one who took a chance on me at a very early age, opened my eyes and introduced me to professional musicians.
KN: Any new music you can share or upcoming projects? An EP?
CB: I have at least three [songs] that I’m set to really put down, because, you know, right now it’s really hectic. The rehearsals for Jazz have taken up a lot of time, and I really haven’t had much space to work on recording. Once the season is over, the plan is to release at least three.
