Celebrating International Women's Month - Nadine Sutherland, Breaking Barriers

Nadine Sutherland

Nadine Sutherland's journey in the music industry began at a tender age, winning the Tastee Talent Contest at just 11 years old.

Since then, she has continued to flourish and excel, marking her latest achievement with the completion of her Masters's degree in the creative industry. This past Sunday (March 24), she graced the stage as the MC at the QORIHC Awards, showcasing her multifaceted talents. 

But Nadine's story is not just one of personal success—it's also proof of the power of platforms that nurture talent. The now-defunct Public Relations Associates agency spearheaded the search for talents, a venture later taken over by Lois Grant and her esteemed team. Initially, under Innercity Promotions and later Corporate Image Productions, Grant's stewardship of the Tastee talent contest spanned nearly three decades, with a panel of judges comprising esteemed figures from various media houses.

Under Grant's guidance, an array of entertainers ascended from obscurity to attain international acclaim. Notable figures such as Yellowman, Papa San, Mr. Vegas, and Beenie Man stand as shining examples. Additionally, others like Claudette Pious, Tuffy Melody, Dianna Rutherford, Anna Strachan, Dwight Richards, Glacia Robinson, Cobra, TOK, D’Wisdom, Rosmarie and Annmarie Barnett, Brian and Tony Gold, Chevaughn Clayton, Christopher McDonald, and the Kreative Boyz dancers, flourished under the exposure afforded through the contest. However, since Lois Grant departed from the contest, significant emerging talent has been absent. The contest,  folded in 2013,  five years after Grant's management.

Behind the scenes, Lois Grant's influence extended far beyond the realm of talent scouting. She deliberately did not facilitate opportunities for these artists, but her role in discovering and nurturing their talents cannot be understated.

Vincent Chang

It is also worth mentioning that Lois Grant was the woman who played a pivotal role in nominating Tastee's CEO, Vincent Chang, for the Order of Distinction (O.D)a well-deserved honour for a man who consistently gave back to the community that supported his business over the years.

As we celebrate the achievements of Nadine and others who have graced the spotlight through the Tastee talent contest, let us also recognize the woman an unsung hero..who remained in the background but whose dedication paved the way for generations of Jamaican talents to shine.

Lois Grant is a distinguished communications professional with a proven track record of groundbreaking achievements. She co-founded Innercity Promotions, renowned for pioneering live dancehall concerts, and later established her own company, Corporate Image Communications and Productions. With experience spanning from the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation to Grimax Advertising, Grant has left an indelible mark on the Caribbean political landscape. Serving as Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister of Jamaica from 2007 to 2013, she continues to contribute as a consultant for prestigious entities like the US Network - NBC Sports, while also making waves as a travel influencer.