MONTEGO BAY, St James — FRESH from a satisfactory performance at Sting 2014, female Japanese singjay, Rankin Pumpkin, said she is expecting to make a global impact this year.
During her set at Sting, the Japanese performer, who is a frequent visitor to Montego Bay, paid tribute in songs to John Holt.
"I am looking forward to a good year. I am also expecting the album to do well, not only in Jamaica and Japan, but globally," Rankin Pumpkin told the Jamaica Observer West, as she expressed her great love for the Jamaican culture.
"I was grateful with the response that I received at Sting. I really appreciate the fans," she said.
She also disclosed that she is now putting the final touches on her debut album, to be launched during the first quarter of this year.
Titled Reggae Tribute, the album will include songs dedicated to the memories of legends in the music industry, especially those deceased, such as Bob Marley, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Peter Tosh and John Holt.
So far, she has shared the stage with the top reggae acts in her native country and is known for releases such as a version of Bob Marley's Keep Them Talking, It's Love, Wat a Go On, A 1 Class, a collaboration with Lady G.
Her latest appearance in Japan was on the One Love Festival in Tokyo, after which she headed straight to Sting.
The performer, who has both Japanese and English versions of her songs, said she studied English at the Long Island University.