Roots
Melesha Sinclair, now Melesha Sinclair-Harris, had her humble beginnings in the district of Reach in Portland, Jamaica where she attended the Reach All Age School and Happy Grove High School.
"You can find Reach near John Crow Mountain located on the out skirts of Blue Mountain. Reach is a small and tightly knit community where everyone was everyone's neighbour."
There are several denominational churches as well and most of the community members are very religious and observant of Christian customs.
At the age of thirteen, Lisa migrated to the twin island state of Antigua and Barbuda and enrolled as a student at the Parham Primary School. She would later on attend the Pares Secondary School and the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute (ABHTI).
"You can find Reach near John Crow Mountain located on the out skirts of Blue Mountain. Reach is a small and tightly knit community where everyone was everyone's neighbour."
There are several denominational churches as well and most of the community members are very religious and observant of Christian customs.
At the age of thirteen, Lisa migrated to the twin island state of Antigua and Barbuda and enrolled as a student at the Parham Primary School. She would later on attend the Pares Secondary School and the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute (ABHTI).
Family Life
Raised by her mother, Gerleta Mayne and is the tenth out of the eleven children. On her Father's side, Isaac Sinclair, Lisa is his fifth and first girl. Miss Girlie, as her mother was affectionately called, was a farmer and higgler so to speak, which meant that, "she went around selling household items and my father was a woodcutter, but his true love was music." Lisa recalls hearing the music booming from her dad's bar from the time he returned from the woods until he closed his eyes at night.
"I vividly remember I would listen from my house because I didn't live very far from where he was. Because of my father's love for music in general, I was exposed to songs from all genres from a very early age and developed an appreciation for the art form." It was during this season of her life that she uncovered a talent, a gift, that seemingly hidden as treasure, the girl can siiiinnnggg!
"....I was called to sing at a school event. At the end of my rendition, to my utter surprise and amazement, there was thunderous applause and piercing whistles followed by calls for encored..."
As time went on she became even more confident in her ability and performed at church services, concerts, stage shows and other special occasions.
"I vividly remember I would listen from my house because I didn't live very far from where he was. Because of my father's love for music in general, I was exposed to songs from all genres from a very early age and developed an appreciation for the art form." It was during this season of her life that she uncovered a talent, a gift, that seemingly hidden as treasure, the girl can siiiinnnggg!
"....I was called to sing at a school event. At the end of my rendition, to my utter surprise and amazement, there was thunderous applause and piercing whistles followed by calls for encored..."
As time went on she became even more confident in her ability and performed at church services, concerts, stage shows and other special occasions.
Defining Moments
When Lisa was ten years old, she gave her life to Christ, however, that sense of purpose and passion got lost along the way, especially during her teenage years. Nevertheless, despite her backslidden state, Lisa still had a reverential fear of God in her heart. "...there are many moments I can recall trying to fit in at clubs, parties and even in the company of individuals, but I could never fit in, in hindsight, I can now say it must have been the Holy Spirit inside of me." Her maternal Grandmother Edith Hinds, also known as "Eye-eye", was one of the main persons who offered encouragement when she needed it most. It was those seeds sown that eventually steered her life exactly where the Lord needed her to be.
Some of her biggest inspirations
Well, apart from "Eye-eye", Grandma Edith, there are quite a number of persons who have inspired Lisa throughout her life, and some may not even be aware of it. First, that comes to mind is Orjill, a work colleague whom she considers to epitomize selflessness. "She was an example for me and one whom I tried to emulate." In addition, one of my early sources of inspiration came from one of my first music teachers, Mr. Barclay from Happy Grove School in Portland, Jamaica. I remember his passion for excellence. He taught his students to achive their best." Moreover, Lisa has been inspired as well by Dr. Michael Youssef, Executive President of "Leading the Way" broadcasts, who preaches the word of God in an uncompromising and passionate way. And also Bishop and Pastor Everton Pigott, who "provoked her mind" and Pastor Lynden Mottley, a strong father in her spiritual life.
Marriage and all that jazzy love...
Whitfield and Lisa met back in 2007 and he is one of her biggest fans. At that time of her life she was an entertainer performing mainly at secular events. He was convinced that he loved her from the moment he laid eyes on her. However, it would have been quite some time before those feelings became mutual. Today, Lisa says, "I think I have surpassed him now in love." This is actually one of their favourite arguments when they are in a bantering mood. Her husband supports her love for music and encourages her to go as far she can go. "He is my biggest cheerleader, but in his own reserved way."
Greatest passion
Lisa desires to establish a legacy as a Christian Advocate of Jesus Christ through her music. One of her main objectives is to go beyond the shores of Antigua and Barbuda, travel to other parts of the Caribbean and other regions of the world. She loves meeting new people and sees that her ministry of music and musicianship is an opportunity to fulfill such an avid desire.
The Singer/Songwriter
A humble and down to earth person who is not so keen on spoiling herself with material things. What she cherishes are authentic valuables that define true happiness in her life, namely, the love she has for her family, beautiful music, the sight of majestic hills and mountains, stunning sunsets and the pristine water that embodies our beaches. "These are things that inspire me, the majesty of nature, our problems often seem so minute and it was probably this realization that led to my first release, "Nuh Worry."
Now as a Gospel Psalmist, after having embarked on this new journey since 2014, "Nuh Worry" has long been left behind. To date, Lisa has produced an EP, "Take Me Out Of Me", which includes five original songs. The lead single, "Take Me Out Of Me" is her prayer to God that she would always be submissive and humble in his presence and to recognize that all credit should go to him for her achievements. "I have also had a measure of success with this album, for which I thank the Lord, as I was presented with plaques of recognition at the 2019 Antigua Barbuda Gospel Music & Media Awards, in over five Categories, including Female Artist of the Year and Female Songwriter of the Year."
Start in Music Ministry:
Shortly after becoming a member in the church and her being assigned as a Worship Leader.
How the first music project got started and who she worked with:
While at Maranatha Shepherds Leadership Workshop, Lisa heard the Speaker mentioned that, "...Some people will pass through this life and never leave anything behind to influence the next generation, regardless of their talents and abilities." That was a wake up call for her because she knew she had the talent and ability as a Singer/Songwriter. "Around the same time I was struggling with my transformation, being a new child of God and did not understand fully that I could not do this Christian walk by myself without the help of the Holy Spirit. The song, "Take Me Out of Me" was born through this experience." Many thanks to the Lord for having blessed her with her music and for always sending the right people into her life who would have a positive impact on her musical career. "...I would like to recognize Mr. Rupert Edwards, the Management of Cadence Studio and the members of One Sound Entertainment Ministries."
Now as a Gospel Psalmist, after having embarked on this new journey since 2014, "Nuh Worry" has long been left behind. To date, Lisa has produced an EP, "Take Me Out Of Me", which includes five original songs. The lead single, "Take Me Out Of Me" is her prayer to God that she would always be submissive and humble in his presence and to recognize that all credit should go to him for her achievements. "I have also had a measure of success with this album, for which I thank the Lord, as I was presented with plaques of recognition at the 2019 Antigua Barbuda Gospel Music & Media Awards, in over five Categories, including Female Artist of the Year and Female Songwriter of the Year."
Start in Music Ministry:
Shortly after becoming a member in the church and her being assigned as a Worship Leader.
How the first music project got started and who she worked with:
While at Maranatha Shepherds Leadership Workshop, Lisa heard the Speaker mentioned that, "...Some people will pass through this life and never leave anything behind to influence the next generation, regardless of their talents and abilities." That was a wake up call for her because she knew she had the talent and ability as a Singer/Songwriter. "Around the same time I was struggling with my transformation, being a new child of God and did not understand fully that I could not do this Christian walk by myself without the help of the Holy Spirit. The song, "Take Me Out of Me" was born through this experience." Many thanks to the Lord for having blessed her with her music and for always sending the right people into her life who would have a positive impact on her musical career. "...I would like to recognize Mr. Rupert Edwards, the Management of Cadence Studio and the members of One Sound Entertainment Ministries."
Sharing the Stage
Lisa has had the opportunity to share the stage with DJ Nicholas, Jason Mighty, Kevin Downswell, Naycha K.I.D and Bridget Blucher just to name a few.
Other Areas of Service
Currently serves as a Minister of the Gospel, Marriage Counselor, Sunday School Teacher, Founder and Leader of One Sound Entertainment Ministries.