Your self-titled debut album “Tenin” is set to hit stores Nov. 11, 2011. I’m sure you are excited about that.

I am. I’m elated. I can’t tell you how excited I am. It is a dream come true for me.

Have you always wanted to become a singer?

Yes, every since I was about 7 years old. Like I can’t really explain it but I just knew that this was for me. It was like something very intrinsic. When I became a teenager, thankfully the music industry started to change. I said you know I can do this for myself. Then I went to my family, and they were like “yeah we can do this”. My family has supported me in this. Now my album is coming out. It will be available online, in a couple of stores and on iTunes. I’m just like, this is a dream that came true for me. I’m like who would have thunk it.

It’s like you said, the industry has changed dramatically. Many artist now have access to the Internet which makes it a lot easier to get your music out there. Now and days you do not have to wait to get placement at a brick and mortar store, you can sell your album online.

Right

Diamond is your first single off your debut album, what motivated you to pen this song? And Tenin, I am assuming you wrote the song, because I know you are also a songwriter.

Yes, I did . I wrote, arranged and performed all the songs on the album . But, Diamond I felt a need to put a song on my album that was going to speak straight up to women and girls. To remind them of their self-worth. I tell everyone that “Diamond” is an anthem. “I am diamond, I am shiny, baby I am a diamond.” I wanted women to be empowered by it. I wanted a song that was actionable.

Recently you partnered with RBRW (Real Beauty, Real Worth). Tell me about RBRW and what this organization means to you?

Real Beauty, Real Worth (RBRW) is an organization that working to end domestic violence and they help women and children that are leaving those situations. RBRW is based in New Jersey and they do a lot of work in New York. And the reason why they are important to me is because those are initiatives to matter to me and like with the song”Diamond”it was made specifically for those women. So, I decided to donate some of the proceeds from the sell of the single to RBRW.

Tenin, we can now add actress to your resume. You have landed a lead role in the upcoming feature film “TUCHT”. What type of character are you portraying?

Yes, well, here’s the interesting thing, you are getting the break on this. I was cased in the lead role in “TUCHT”. Acting is something I went to school for. I actually studied musical theater in college. I got a chance to get acting, dancing and singing in. [laughs] I was casted August 2010, and August 2011 they decided to drop me from the project. I gained 30 pounds for the role and held the weight for a year. And I literally began to have issues, like I felt bad. You know I am a big girl, I am a plus size, full figured woman. Those extra 30 pounds began to really affect my health. So we went to the production team and asked them ‘what was up’ because I explained that I did not think I could hold onto the weight much longer. So the production decided they needed someone that was willing to hold on to the weight much longer. So that’s where the project is. I am no longer working on the project.

Well, I am sure acting is in your future?

Yeah, definitely. Acting I’m very passionate about.

Tenin you are a talented vocalist. How did you transition from being a songwriter to vocalist?

It was all organic. You know when I was in school, I was never the mathematician; I loved English because I loved words, grammar, poetry, prose and essays. I loved that stuff. So it has always been natural for me. My mom was a choir director, pianist, she’s a gospel singer and she’s toured Europe with a group. So music and singing has always been around me. I think I was about 11 years old when I wrote my first poem. It was cute, innocent and pure, but corny. [laughs] I started off writing poetry in my preteens. Then when I became a teenager I thought I could turn this into a song and then I’ve been writing since then. The industry is so critical, so I have never felt a need to be apart of a songwriting group. I am not against it; I just have always trusted myself. I believe I have a God given talent.

In pursuit of your career, you mentioned that your family has supported you . Do you have any close friends or other people in your life that you lean on for support?

My best friends I have known since I was 7 years old, so we have 17 years in the game of friendship. I think they support me because me being a singer makes sense to them. My two best friends have always supported me. I have major support from my community, people in my background and my church. I don’t take that for granted because it is a blessing.

Do you have any regrets so far?

I have no regrets, but a lot of lessons learned. One thing I have learned was to trust myself.