Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

Violinist Jessica Yap. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Performing at the Puma Jamaica Olympic party in Beijing, China, provided valuable experience and exposure for two Jamaican entertainers of Chinese descent - Tessanne Chin and Jessica Yap.

Tessanne, who was invited to perform at the party by the Chinese government, through the Jamaican ambassador to China, says she was happy to be part of the Olympic celebration held on August 23.

"It was great. China was amazing and I felt so welcomed. It was great to introduce part of Jamaica to them. I felt so honoured to be among the athletes after their wonderful performance," she told The Gleaner yesterday.

Selector

She added: "Usain Bolt was the selector for the night; playing a lot of dancehall from his phone. After training for so long they got the opportunity to let their hair down."

Tessanne says she enjoyed touring China, especially places like The Forbidden City and the Emperor's Summer Palace.

She said she also noticed a 'reggae revolution' in Shanghai, where she met a reggae band. She said, "Dem sing good to. They sing in English and Spanish. They just go on stage and whatever they feel they play and I like that."

Similar to Tessane, being in China was a good experience for violinist Jessica Yap, who went there for the first time. She left for China only days before the party after getting a last-minute invitation.

Her mother, Rose-Mary Lee-Yap, who accompanied the young violinist to China, said Jessica is proud and happy that she was visited China and was able to connect with her Chinese heritage.

At the party, she said Jessica, who was in school at the time of the interview, did a hard-core arrangement to Stephen McGregor's 'Chiney K' rhythm. She also performed Etana's Wrong Address, which was dedicated to some of the athletes who are from inner-city communities.

Because of her performance, Jessica received valuable music industry contacts and a request to return to China in November. However, she will not be able to fulfil the November gig because she has to attend school at Campion College. Instead, Rose-Marie is contemplating next summer, which might be an ideal time.

"I see that she is making strides. They (public) realise that she really has a wide scope, not only dancehall but other genres," said Rose-Mary.

Tessanne (second left), along with Danny McFarlane (left), Aleen Bailey (second right) and another member of the Jamaican track team.

Tessanne and Veronica Campbell-Brown at the Puma-Jamaica Olympic team closing party held at the Puma Jamaica House, Beijing on Saturday, August 23. - Contributed photos