**Minna LaFortune: From Kingston to Brooklyn, Embracing My Musical Journey**
My name is Minna LaFortune, and I was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica. At 30, I embarked on a new chapter by migrating to the United States, where I’ve since made Brooklyn, New York, my home. After a successful career in the professional world, I am now passionately pursuing my lifelong dream of becoming a singer, songwriter, and recording artist.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts/Communication and a Master’s in Public Administration.
My love for the Caribbean community runs deep, as reflected in my role as the co-founder and
President of the Society for the Advancement of the Caribbean Diaspora (SACD) and the founder of African American Caribbean Singers (Afro Carib-A Singers). My passion for culinary arts has also led me to contribute authentic Caribbean recipes to renowned online platforms like NewsAmericaNow.com, Caribbean News Weekly, and WiredJa.
The arts, particularly music and poetry, have always been my spiritual sanctuary. My love for music was instilled early by my parents. My mother, a folklorist, sang to me as a child, while my father introduced my siblings and me to the vibrant world of Jamaican pop music, teaching us to sing and dance to the tunes of jukeboxes in rum bars across the island. During my high school years in Jamaica, I formally studied voice and sang in the school choir at Ardenne High School, where I attended, under the direction of Dr. Noel Dexter, OD. This classical training led to a proud moment when I won the soprano soloist Bronze medal at the 1975 Jamaica National Music Competition for schools. My musical journey continued as I sang in various church choirs, including the Diocesan Festival Choir, under the guidance of Dr. Hazel Lawson-Street and the Methodist Chorale blending sacred and classical traditions.
My musical influences are as diverse as they are profound, spanning reggae icons like Dennis Brown, Marcia Griffiths, Gregory Isaacs, Burning Spear, Peter Tosh, Dawn Penn, Rita Marley, and Bob Marley to jazz and soul legends such as Nancy Wilson, Lou Rawls, Barbara Streisand and Aretha Franklin. These artists, among many others, have been pivotal in shaping my musical identity and continue to inspire my work today.
In 2023, I released two albums that marked significant milestones in my musical journey. In June 2023, I launched my debut EP/Album, “Dance with Me” Volume 1, showcasing my originality and songwriting skills across themes ranging from romance to social commentary. Following this, in December 2023, I released the festive “Caribbean Christmas” album, a collection of vibrant festive holiday original songs celebrating Caribbean styles. On June 7, 2025 I released my third album “Dance with Me” Volume II, which continues to build on my musical legacy with new original songs like “Reggae Music is Love to Me,” “Don’t Drink Your Sorrows,” “The Black Star Liner,” “Shine Di Light,” “Baby Baby I Love You,” and “Cease Fire”.
All my music is available On all major music platforms. Working with Lee Holness,my producer has been a rewarding experience. I’m also thrilled to collaborate with my, backup singer and videographer, Shantel Bradford. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from my family, friends and my fans, among the Caribbean Diaspora in the USA , Germany , France and the UK, have been heartwarming, and I am excited to share my music with a growing global audience.
My music is a celebration of my Jamaican heritage and a voice of joy, love, and empowerment. Through my songs, I aim to connect cultures, inspire meaningful causes, and unite people across the African Diaspora and beyond. My goal is to continue writing and recording music, and to eventually publish a book combining my poetry and my favorite Jamaican recipes.
To learn more about my music and my journey, visit my website at
[MinnaLaFortune.com](https://minnalafortune.com) and follow me on social media. Join me as I continue to inspire and unite people through the power of reggae and other musical genres.**Contact:**
Minna LaFortune
Email: [email protected]
**Website:**
[MinnaLaFortune.com](https://minnalafortune.com)**Social Media:**
- [Facebook](https://facebook.com/minnalafortunemusic)
- [Instagram](https://instagram.com/minnas_music_art_craft_poetry)
- [Twitter](https://twitter.com/MinnaLafortune)
- [YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/@minnalafortune9413)
Show Title: Reggae Vibrations
Days: Monday – Saturday
Time: 10:00 pm – 12 Midnight Costa Rica Central Standard Time (CST)
