This is the third year an overseas-based reggae artiste has been chosen to be musical ambassador. According to RAJ, their music has to be “empowering and uplifting”. The other two were Princess Thundah and Mc Hado from the United States.

“We reached out to recording artistes based on their music that endorses the mission of Read Across Jamaica. Artistes that write songs that enforces the objective of our mission statement that education is the key. That person is also our spokesperson for the year,” explained Hopeton Brown, the Jamaica-born board member who started the Philadelphia Chapter of RAJ.

“Prior to choosing Tasha T, she had several songs in which she talked about education. And our mission and objective is to enforce and motivate children to read by any means necessary. So, whether it is music, poetry, drumming, whatever it is, we embrace it,” he said.

Tasha T, whose real name is Natasha Whyte, was born in Canada to Jamaican parents. She was elated to have been selected as this year’s musical ambassador.

“I am an artiste who tries to uplift, encourage and motivate people, especially the youths of today. Too many are going in the wrong direction, so education is the key and that’s why I am glad I am on this project,” she said.

“I wrote a song called “Educate Yourself” released last year and each school I visit I would sing it and get the children to sing along as well.”

Her other releases include Only A Woman Knows, Win or Lose (a cover of One Life to Live), Hot Ya Now and World In Turmoil.