Tinga Stewart - File

Stage name: Tinga Stewart

Real name: Neville Stewart

Birth date: July 3

Which high school did you attend?

Trench Town Comprehensive

How did you get started in the business?

It started through singer Bunny Brown, who introduced me to Derrick Harriott in 1969, but first I used to sing with a band called 'The Wild Cats' about '67, '68. After working with Derrick I joined Boris Gardener's Happening band in 1971.

What has been your greatest challenge in the business yet?

Getting off the festival stigma, after winning the competition in 1974, but after that it came off and I started doing songs like Inside My Heart, Cover Love with Ninja Man, and others.

What have you been up to lately?

I'm putting an album together titled 'Tinga Nah Linga', which is produced by my son, 'Mixing Fingers'. I also have a new single called Believing Me, produced by Heavy Beat Records.

Do you look up to any specific artiste?

Yeah man, Ken Boothe as a veteran singer, John Holt, young singers Terry Linen and Tarrus Riley.

Are you happy with the way things are going for your career right now?

Yes, so far I'm happy, but need some more recognition with my work.

Anything you'd like to change about it?

No, I have a successful year so far in terms of doing shows. I've been to the Montreal Reggae Festival, and Maryland, to name a few.

What are your future plans?

Just to keep on working hard, and my aim is to do shows in Europe.

Do you have any advice for young artistes coming up?

Try to learn an instrument and not to sing off-key, and learn to pitch your voice.