Shontelle

The oldest of 3 sisters, Shontelle was born in Bridgetown, Barbados. At school she was a first class academic student. On the sports field she was highly competitive too. "I did track and field, lawn tennis and represented my school and Barbados at swimming", she recalls.

It was during high school that she first met Barbados' current international star, Rihanna. "We were both active in the Cadets, and I was her Drill Sergeant...there was one occasion when I had to make her 'drop and give me ten push ups'. We laugh about it now...I think she's forgiven me." Little did either of them know at the time that they would soon both be signing major record deals.

Shontelle has been surrounded by strong women. Her aunt, Kim Derrick, a celebrated Bajan musician, could see her potential at a very early age. "She used to encourage me even as young as 3 and 4. All my family were musical, all my cousins play the piano. They used to come over to my house and we would play at the piano for hours."

Shontelle may have put the law degree on the back burner for now, but she certainly has no regrets. "I think I've known all along that it was my destiny to perform on stage and give something to people with my music", she says with calm conviction.