"I miss the meaningful lyrics, strong melody, and bass lines with stimulating chord progressions. I also miss reading the liner notes of an album to get a feel of the artist better. My hope is today’s artists would create great music that will have longevity and meaning. My fear is that the music of the past will get lost and not resurface. 

Quisha Wint: Eclectic Emotions & Melodies

Quisha Wint is the co-founder and president of QW Productions whose mission is to provide outstanding and professional entertainment in a classy and nostalgic atmosphere, while providing a platform for artists and musicians to showcase their awesome gift in music. She aims to educate both the public and upcoming artists on the importance of keeping the music from the past alive, music that touches our hearts. Quisha was born to sing and entertain. She grew up in a Jamaican/Canadian home listening to Reggae, Motown, Gospel, R&B, then entered the jazz program at Humber College in the mid ’90s. From there she embarked upon her dream of performing with well-known musicians, which took her to exciting overseas hotel engagements. Since then, Quisha has sung in many parts of Asia, Europe, North America, and Caribbean.

(Photo: Quisha Wint)

With a bright personality and strong emotive vocal abilities, Quisha is one of Toronto’s most sought-after session vocalists. She also performs regularly at corporate gigs. Currently living in the GTA, Quisha is well established in the tight-knit music industry. She is a phenomenal and expressive vocalist who also inspires others to live out their dreams. Not only is she an entrepreneur, producer, director, songwriter, arranger, worship director and a mother, Quisha just began her journey into speaking at corporate events to empower and enrich corporation employees. Quisha released her EP "My Life" in 2021 with rave reviews. Her single Black Shoes, off her grassroots project recently hit #1 on the Indie Music Artists charts. Quisha is an inspiration to many, and her hope is to live out her life knowing that many lives have been transformed positively through her works. The 26th annual Maple Blues Awards will run January 30th at the intimate and elegant Harbourfront Centre Theatre (Toronto). Quisha Wint will be hosting the evening and will feature amazing performances from Canadian blues stars, all backed by The Maple Blues Band.

Interview by Michael Limnios                   Special Thanks: Sarah French Publicity

How has the America Roots and Reggae music influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

Being from a Jamaican background, reggae is part of my heritage like a fitted sheet on a bed. I don’t know life without reggae music. Bob Marley’s music has been heavily influential on me because his music is timeless. This is how I want my music to be portrayed too. Although Bob wrote many songs in the 70’s they still have so much meaning in today’s world.

Bob Marley’s music represents equality, justice, peace and love and this is where my heart is when it comes to being who I am and what I put out in the world.

How do you describe your music philosophy and songbook? Where does your creative drive come from?

Music can bring an array of emotions: a smile or tears, challenge us, unite us, help us. It’s a connection point that we all have no matter your background.

My creative drive stems from what is happening in my life or what I see happening in the world. I usually get a melody line while I’m sleeping so I have my phone close by so I can record it quickly and have a reference to go back to when I feel to write.

My songbook is eclectic. My ear candy tends to lean towards, Gospel, R&B, Soul and Blues. However, I am drawn to anything that causes me to move or listen.

"Being from a Jamaican background, reggae is part of my heritage like a fitted sheet on a bed. I don’t know life without reggae music. Bob Marley’s music has been heavily influential on me because his music is timeless. This is how I want my music to be portrayed too. Although Bob wrote many songs in the 70’s they still have so much meaning in today’s world." (Quisha Wint / Photo by James Dean)

Why do you think that the Maple Blues Awards continues to generate such a devoted following?

The Maple Blues Awards continues to generate such a devoted following is because they feature the best of the best. Everyone who receives an award or has been nominated are so deserving of this honour. MBA’s cast additional light on already brightly shining artists and musicians therefore devoted followers keep coming out to support.

What moment changed your life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

Having a child has changed my perspective on life! I view the world differently and can only hope I’m raising someone to make a difference in this world.

Highlights: Having a child, singing background vocals for artists such as Johnny Reid, Jacksoul, Snow, Maestro Fresh Wes, Sean Jones, Paul Shaffer to name a few. Putting out my first album in 2012 and and EP in 2021. Being able to sing with so many artists and musicians throughout my entire career has made life so much fun and exciting.

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

I have so many memories. This is a hard question to answer. During 2020, when we all were feeling the strong effects of the pandemic, I and my bandmates/writing partners got together when it was permitted and wrote songs that turned into my EP called My Life which was released 2021. We recorded our parts from home mainly and were able to create something beautiful.  The song Black Shoes became #1 on the Canadian Independent Black Music Charts. I will never forget that moment.

"The Maple Blues Awards continues to generate such a devoted following is because they feature the best of the best. Everyone who receives an award or has been nominated are so deserving of this honour. MBA’s cast additional light on already brightly shining artists and musicians therefore devoted followers keep coming out to support." (Quisha Wint / Photo by Tomros)

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I miss the meaningful lyrics, strong melody, and bass lines with stimulating chord progressions. I also miss reading the liner notes of an album to get a feel of the artist better.

My hope is today’s artists would create great music that will have longevity and meaning. My fear is that the music of the past will get lost and not resurface. 

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

I’ve always said if you want to bring peace in the world, invite leaders of countries to an event with music and food. Music breaks all kinds of barriers no matter the genre and has the power to unite and ignite.

What does to be a female artist in a Man’s World as James Brown says? What is the status of women in music?

James Brown also said in the song “But it wouldn't be nothing without a woman or a girl.”

He is right! As a female artist, I am aware of the male dominance in the entire music industry. It does not stop me from doing what I want to do. I’ve had the great honour of having many great female artists pave (and still paving) the way for me and many others. I’m simply trying to help the next generation the best way I can.

We have a long lineage of fantastic women in music that have shaped our music industry. Our status is high, continuously growing and surpassing societies expectations.

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(Photo: Quisha Wint)