"Golden Voice" Yasmeen In Focus

Daughter of music legend Faisal Helwani, Yasmeen was born into music royalty in Ghana. She started singing and performing very early in her life. It didn't take long for her amazing voice and skills to catch her father's attention, and in 1989,

when she was just nine years old; Faisal presented Yasmeen to the Ghanaian public for the first time. It was the 'Ayekoo-Tsooboi' Concert in1989 at what was then called the Accra Sports Stadium featuring Ghanaba (Guy Warren), Jewel Ackah, The Guinea Dance Ensemble and hosted by Tommy Annan Forson. Yasmeen performed a rendition of the Ghana National Anthem to close the show. It was such a hit that, after that, Faisal often presented Yasmeen to close his shows with the national anthem.

By age 13 Yasmeen was writing her own songs and by age 16 she was recording her first album – 'My Sunshine' released in 1997, just before she left to pursue a Business Economics degree in Canada. She however made time to come back to Ghana in 1998 for the release of 'FAITH' An inspirational album co-written by, and dedicated to her mother Victoria. Yasmeen stunned audiences everywhere with her vocal abilities and soon earned the nickname 'Golden Voice' from critics and through music reviews.

'My life was turned upside down when I lost my younger brother Waleed – a talented guitarist and musician in 2005. Waleed's passing, being such a shock, affected us all and really affected our musical motivation. My father joined Waleed in July 2008. Both my mentor and my prodigy are gone but I have realized that there are so many more mentors and possible prodigies out there! I miss Waleed and my father terribly but now, I'm making my life a grand success in their honour. Since it has proven to be such a roller-coaster ride, I'm taking charge, grabbing the controls and riding this roller-coaster like I never did before!'

Yasmeen is gearing up to release her next album which will be preceded by the single 'Mother dey suffer'. The song is part of an Afro-beat compilation album being released in the UK featuring other Ghanaian Artists including Samini , Mensah and Wanlov the Kubolor. The album is produced by British-based producer – Richy Pitch.

Yasmeen recently started her own Natural Bath and Body Line featuring natural handmade soaps, body butters, body oils and more. 'I've always been interested in taking care of my beauty naturally. This led me into my research on natural beauty and natural living. Last year I started my handmade cosmetics line and I must say I really enjoy creating fabulous bath and body products using home-grown ingredients like Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil, and more of nature's goodies from around the world.' The outlet – Pricewise Specialty, is located at North Dzorwulu, Accra.

'I often get messages from fans asking if I have quit singing since I've been musically silent for a while now. All I have to say to that is: Yasmeen never quits. I don't sing for the superficial 'fame and fortune', I sing for the love and the passion. I sing to send a message, I sing to tell a story. If I perform for even three people who get it, then I'm satisfied.'

Originating at www.pinnaclegh.com