It has been two year since Kym Hamilton, the artist formerly known as Gaza Kim, left the Gaza Empire.
Back with a new name, new attitude and new management KYM is
determined more than ever to reap success.
As a teenager the singer was discovered by Vybz Kartel, but she was no stranger to the public as she already had some success in televised talent Competitions in Jamaica like the famed Digicel Rising Stars, Tastees Talent Search and Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall. Before that she'd tasted local success winning medals as a member of her School Choir.
In 2008 KYM she was introduced to Kartel, where she was signed under his management as a member of the GAZA Empire and was given the name Gaza Kim. Kartel had no reservation in signing KYM, saying “Kim has the ability to go very very far in the music business".
KYM is known for songs such as 'Teenage Pregnancy', ' Amen', 'Bills' (also Ft: Lisa Hype), and a remake of Shabba Ranks' 'Twice My Age' with her then mentor, Kartel and 'I Love You' served to consolidate her promise as a hit maker.
Bounty Killer Alliance
While at a nightclub in Kingston KYM was approached Bounty Killer – an artist renowned for recognizing and nurturing young talent. KYM become an affiliate of Bounty Killer's Alliance organization and released tracks like 'Haffi Come Back', 'Bubble', 'When We're Apart', 'Whine Pon It', 'Hush and 'Got To Go Right Now'.
2011 was a great year for KYM as was nominated for the Best International Female Artist Award at the British Reggae Awards with two of her heroes – Tanya Stephens and Queen Ifrica.
KYM is currently signed to Dejavu Records and label own by Jermaine Black who has produced Beenie Man's Sign Up and Junior Reid's These Streets.
CEM sat down with Kym Hamilton to learn more about this beautiful and talent young lady.
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We know you as an Entertainer; tell us about the real Kym Hamilton
I am a very jovial person, in my spare time I enjoy designing the weirdest things.
Many of your fans know you as “Gaza Kim” but you are now going by the names Kym Hamilton and Alliance Kym. Can you clarify the names?
Ok I was a member of the Portmore Empire and was given the name Gaza Kim, After I left the group in 2010 I decided to go by my given name Kim Hamilton but I changed the "I" in Kim to "Y'. Then when I started working with the Alliance the fans started calling me Alliance Kym, but I’m the same person, so any name you call me I’ll answer.
What made you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?
I've loved music from an early age, but I made the leap in high school when I entered the high school choir, and everything just blossomed from there.
You have been in and won many competitions before you became famous. What were some of those competitions and what was it like?
I entered contest like, All together sing with my high school choir, Digicel Rising Stars, magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall and Tastee talent search. It was fun entering these contests but very nerve wrecking.
How did you get discovered by Vybz Kartel?
I gave his Girlfriend Shorty a copy of my promotional CD he heard it and loved what he heard and decided to sign me to his record label.
You left “Gaza Empire” and you are now re-branding yourself what are your biggest challenges?
The biggest problems I’mfacing now is getting air play and letting the fans know that Kym Hamilton is the same Gaza Kim.
You were working with Bounty Killer's Alliance, what was that like?
Working with Bounty Killer and the Alliance family is fun. They are very professional and its music all the time. There is never a dull moment when you are at the studio with the alliance family.
Where do you draw inspiration from when writing your own lyrics?
I draw inspiration from situations I’vebeen, family, the people around me and society in general the good and the bad.
What is your favorite song that you have written?
Got to go right now, it was produced by payday music of the Alliance on the luv mood riddim
What kind of music do you listen to?
Hip hop, pop, reggae and dancehall
Where would you most like to perform?
Africa
How do you handle mistakes during a performance?
I just keep going, because sometimes you make a mistake and it’s not noticed by the fans but if you stop to check yourself that’s when a little mistake becomes a big deal.
What artist you are you dying to collaborate with?
Queen Ifrica and Tanya Stephens
If you weren't singing, what would you be doing?
Designing, I love fashion
Who is your favorite artist that you have had the opportunity to meet, and why?
Busy Signal, he is an inspiration to young up coming artist and I like that about him.
What are you currently working on?
I have a few riddims that I’m writing on right now and promoting my latest video "The Groove" ft the St. Lucian Artist Ieashaa
What advice do you have for a young and upcoming female?
Hard work and persistence is the key. Never give up and you'll succeed, because has a female we have to work twice as hard.
Where can your fans purchase your music?
They can visit my Reverbnation page www.reverbnation.com/kymhamilton or by visiting ITunes and search for Kym Hamilton.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself travelling from all corner of the earth to grace the nations with my music and being able to use my music in all ways possible to help and create better situations for the less fortunate.
Moving forward and now being signed to Dejavu Records what can the fans look forward to hearing from your new image?
I will be doing Dancehall, Reggae and some crossovers. I am changing the image but not the message so the music will continue to inspire. I want to make music that everyone can relate to on one or more levels.
What advice would you give an aspiring artist that is just trying to get into the music industry?
Get connected to the right people. The right connections can lead to success avoid quick or two minutes buss, because it's gonna be for a minutes, find something that can last a life time.