Tessanne Chin – The Voice of Jamaica to the World

Full Name: Tessanne Amanda Chin
Born: September 20, 1985 – Kingston, Jamaica
Genres: Reggae Fusion, Pop, Rock, Soul
Years Active: 2000s – Present
Occupations: Singer, Songwriter, Performer, Recording Artist

Exhibit Title: “Tessanne Chin: From Kingston Roots to Global Voice”

Tessanne Chin is one of Jamaica’s most internationally recognized female vocalists of her generation. Known for her rich, soulful voice and dynamic stage presence, Tessanne rose to global fame as the Season 5 winner of NBC’s “The Voice”—becoming the first and only Jamaican to do so.

Effortlessly blending reggae, rock, soul, and pop, Tessanne stands at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, proudly carrying Jamaican music into new musical territories while honoring her island roots.

Roots in Music: A Family Tradition

Born into a musical family in Kingston, Jamaica, Tessanne was raised in a creative environment. Her mother, Christine Chin, is a singer, and her father, Richard Chin, played in local bands. Tessanne’s older sister, Tami Chynn, is also a singer and performer, adding to the family’s musical legacy.

Tessanne began performing as a child and honed her vocal skills as a teenager, influenced by diverse genres including reggae, gospel, R&B, and classic rock. She spent time as the lead singer of the Jamaican fusion band Mile High, gaining stage experience and sharpening her distinctive style.

Breakthrough: The Voice (2013)

Tessanne became a household name across the globe when she auditioned for the American TV talent show “The Voice” in 2013. With a stunning rendition of Pink’s “Try”, she turned all four judges’ chairs—choosing Adam Levine as her coach.

Week after week, Tessanne captivated audiences with her powerhouse vocals, emotional depth, and Jamaican flavor. Her memorable performances included:

“Bridge Over Troubled Water”
“Redemption Song”
“Try”
“Let It Be”

She won the competition, making history as the first Caribbean contestant to win a U.S. national talent show, bringing pride and visibility to Jamaica on a global scale.

Discography & Signature Style

Tessanne’s voice defies category—equal parts soul diva, reggae rootswoman, and rock goddess. Her music reflects personal narratives of resilience, self-love, and spiritual strength.

Albums:

In Between Words (2010) – Independent debut featuring hits like “Hideaway”
Count On My Love (2014) – Released by Republic Records following her victory on The Voice, featuring songs like “Everything Reminds Me of You” and “Heaven Knows”

Hit Songs:

“Hideaway” – A fan favorite blending reggae and soul
“Messenger”
“Loving You” (with Tessanne and Tami Chynn)
“Fire” – A bold anthem of empowerment and passion

International Stage & Collaborations

Tessanne has performed on global stages, representing Jamaica with elegance and energy. She has shared stages or collaborated with:

Shaggy
Ne-Yo
Cyndi Lauper
P!nk (covered in The Voice)
Adam Levine

She has performed for dignitaries and at high-profile events, including a concert at the White House during “Women of Soul”, hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama, where she performed alongside Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, and Janelle Monáe.

Cultural Significance and Advocacy

As a proud Jamaican Chinese woman, Tessanne has become a symbol of multicultural pride and female strength in the music industry. Her win on The Voice inspired a new generation of Caribbean youth to dream beyond borders.

She frequently lends her voice to: