Vanessa Bling

BIO

VANESSA BLING formally Gaza Slim

 “Introducing Vanessa Bling, as Gaza Slim,” was the phrase heralded by one of dancehall most prolific and celebrated artiste when introducing this young songstress and sing-jay.  However, before the world knew of Vanessa Bling’s unbelievable talent, she was just an ordinary little girl from Unity District in West Rural, St. Andrew, Jamaica, W.I.

Born Vawnessa Saddler on February 19, 1991, Vanessa Bling attended the Unity District Primary School in her home town before completing her secondary education at the Oberlin High School.

Vanessa has always been in love with music. At an early age, she recognized that she had a strong voice and as such was determined to use it. “People always told me I could sing really well. They loved my voice and to be honest I loved it too,” she said. Vanessa started out singing in her church choir, but it was while attending Oberlin High where she seamlessly made her intro to the school choir and people started to sing her praises. She was a part of the Oberlin High Choir that won back to back titles in the 2005 and 2006 season of TVJ’s “All Together Sing” competition.

Vanessa’s confidence soon sky-rocketed and she decided to try out for Jamaica’s stapled event “Digicel Rising Star” competition.  Little did she know that her big voice at that time was no match for the incomparable judge, Anthony Miller.  “I showed up and I performed a gospel song and he pretty much told me to ‘hit the road Jack.  Even after Clyde McKenzie and Alaine expressed that they liked my voice and I should get another chance, Anthony was not having it.”  Vanessa’s confidence plummeted after the Rising Star debacle. Luckily, while in the eighth grade she was invited to do collaboration with dancehall comedians/deejays Twins of Twins, on a song entitled “Only God Knows”.

Vanessa Bling draws her inspiration from a number of great musicians. “I think Beyoncé is amazing. I absolutely love her voice; it’s so powerful.  Singers like Al Green, Gotye, Toni Braxton, Celine Dion, and Whitney Houston and of course my mentor and the very talented Adidja Palmer are some of the people who inspired my dream to become a successful artiste.”

This affable Pisces, Vanessa was determined to make it as a singer no matter the obstacles that came her way.  In 2010, she was introduced to Vybz Kartel, who quickly became her mentor under his Portmore Empire regime. That mentorship not only unearthed a wealth of talent but it also bore the moniker, GAZA SLIM.  The belief that this artist had in her talent, quickly made her regain the confidence she had in herself and she became convinced that she can finally achieve her dream.

Her time with the Vybz Kartel led Portmore Empire birthed a number of hits, including; “One Man”, “Realest Girl”, “So Much Woman”, “Independent Ladies”, “Starting Over”, “Everything fi Hold Him”, “Whine”, “Mama Said”, “Clarks”, “All My Love”, “Wasting Your Time” and “Stop Gwaan Like yuh Tough”, to name a few.  In many of these tracks one can see Vanessa pouring her heart, soul, pain and happiness out - through her music.  These hits were produced in the confines of a record studio, stationed for 24 hours of each day, seeking nothing but perfection. Because for Vanessa, it’s simple; it is the fans that deserve perfection.

One may ask what drives Vanessa to be this determined to succeed in this male dominated industry. Her answer,” this is my passion. I just love it so much. When you believe God give you a gift, everything in you will tell you to use it, and that’s exactly what I am doing.”

With her new songs like “Future Guaranteed”, “My Man”, “Wah Do Dem”, “Supernova”, “Tun Up The Ting”, “How To Treat A Girl”, and “Cyan Do It” all in heavy rotation; along with the endorsement from Jamaica’s leading energy drink BOOM, and Beauty Queen clothing company one can expect a Vanessa Bling whirlwind taking up the top female spot in Dancehall in 2016.

Vanessa’s music has evolved and the young sing-jay has grown into a more versatile artiste, showing fans different sides of her. Ensuring that her music makes sense is something she takes great pride in as well as having fans being able to relate to it. Her music is for everyone.

Today, Vanessa’s confidence is immeasurable. Her voice is amazingly different and beautiful. Her personality is infectious. Her star appeal is unquestioned. With hundreds of thousands of social media followers she has become quite popular and extremely loveable by her fans. One would be hard-pressed to find another female dancehall artiste more charismatic and talented than Vanessa Bling.  

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