Lindener Diana Chapman-Clarke stole the hearts the crowd and judges at the Banks DIH Demerara Park two Fridays ago, when she marched to the front of the line and was crowned the queen of the adult calypso competition with an electrifying performance of her piece “Put Your House in Order”.
And while she is no stranger to the singing stage the 25-year-old old artiste surprisingly revealed to The Scene that singing was never her thing but rather she was always a dancer.
All of this changed one day: “I always wanted to sing but didn’t realise I had the potential to do so until one day I was singing to myself and Michael James, a writer in Linden heard me and told me that I could sing and that I should try it. He wrote me my first song, which I performed at Carifesta at the Linden leg [2008],” Diana said.
Since then she has not looked back and has been singing at different events and in competitions for years.
Speaking about competitions, since Diana’s debut she’s so far participated in the calypso competitions in 2010 (where she placed 2nd), 2012 (2nd), 2013 (didn’t place) and in 2015 where she placed fourth. During that time she participated in the junior calypso competition and won in that title in 2011.
It was at two of these competitions that Diana was taught the lesson on the importance of rehearsing. According to the songstress in 2010 and 2012, the years she would have placed second twice, she forgot the lyrics to the songs and admitted it drove home the importance of rehearsing. She now takes rehearsals seriously.
When she took to the stage two Fridays ago in her two-piece green and gold costume, which was designed by her own hands but sewn by her mother, to sing “Put Your House In Order,” she was not only there to perform but to give the current administration some advice. The song was written by her manager, Bonny Alves of Ssignal Production but the words resonate with the singer.
Sharing her thoughts with The Scene, Diana said that all Guyanese artistes serve as an inspiration to her specifically because they all face the same struggles and yet no one is giving up. However, on the international level she’s inspired by two all-time legends who not just gained fame for their authentic voices but for their moves as well. “…Michael Jackson and Beyoncé are the artistes who inspire me. Their hard work and dedication – amazing. They’re also the reason I love energy in my performances; they always put on a great show. I call them perfectionists,” Diana said.
When it comes to role models, Diana has quite a number already she’s being a role model to and says, “It’s a fulfilling feeling, especially when people come to me and express how much love they have for me and even those who say I’m their role model. It’s an amazing feeling; and even though it’s a great responsibility, I am happy to be an inspiration to others.”
Through the years Diana has encountered numerous challenges but she singled out one to share publicly: “I faced many challenges as a singer, one of which was learning to write my own songs. Not being able to do so held me back a great lot because I had to get writers who sometimes never delivered. I remember waiting on a song for an entire year and still didn’t receive it. This happened to me on many occasions with different writers, it even frustrated me but pushed me to at least try and write my own songs. As the saying goes, ‘practice makes perfect’; I stuck with it and now I am able to pen my own lyrics if I so desire.”
And one would never believe that stage fright is another major challenge for this artiste who seems to own whatever stage she steps out on. “Every time I get onstage I feel as if it’s the first time [all over again],” said the performer. Nevertheless, she manages to overcome the fear every time.
Diana also shared her opinion on other local artistes in Guyana or rather her own experience: “I don’t think local artistes have the support from Guyana. If they did, then local artistes would be able to live off their art form.
“To improve the local arena for artistes would not be something that can happen overnight. It will need people in the right places to pay extra time to the field of arts and make it a priority but it seems as if no one is willing to make music a priority and it’s discouraging.”
She hopes that the future sees her being a recognized artiste locally and internationally and more of an inspiration to the younger ones, which she says she finds to be more fulfilling.
The calypso queen is currently working with Ssignal Production on a few singles, a calypso and a pop number, which are expected to be released come April.
Diana considers herself to be a calm person who tries to be kind most of the time, so that persons can easily approach her when needed. She despises cruelty of any kind, is compassionate and caring and hates boastfulness. Being a modest person she does not brag or even bring up other past achievements without being coaxed.
Diana was also chosen to represent Guyana at the Carifesta in Haiti in 2015 and won the LIAT Airline Jingle Competition last year.
For pet peeves, she has a few on the dislike list; people trying to take advantage of others, persons making slurping noises when drinking or any sort of noise while eating.
Diana is currently a first year student at the University of Guyana pursuing a degree in Communication in the hopes of becoming a radio broadcaster. She also from time to time would be on 104.3 Power FM in Linden and 100.1 Fresh FM radio broadcasting.
Her hobbies include: swimming, dancing, basketball, studying the creativity of movies and music videos.
While she is has a whole lot on her ‘To Do List’ Diana said she is more focused on being a wife and a mother to her son who will be starting primary school come September.
Her other songs include: “Bauxite Dust,” “Bringing Back Anancy,” “Politics in Calypso,” “Lost Without You (featuring Fojo),” “Just Be Yourself,” “I’m In Love With You,” “Love Takes 2,” “Good To Go” and “Can’t Find Me Home (with Bonesman).”
Diana’s music can be found on YouTube, on Facebook/Diana Chapman-Clarke and at gt.riddim.com
