Fabian O'Hara, Gleaner Writer

Tami Chynn

Determination is a key ingredient for success. Singer Tami Chynn is reaping the benefits of her determination.

After meeting Senegal-born hip-hop sensation Akon last year, the duo's instant chemistry produced the hit single Frozen, produced by Akon.

Frozen is currently number four on Billboard Magazine's dance chart and was released by Akon's Konvict Musik label. He also produced Chynn's new album Primadonna, scheduled to be released in early 2009.

Opening act

Riding on that success, Chynn was selected as opening act for New Kids On the Block's (Donnie Wahlberg, Danny Wood, Joey McIntyre, Jordan Knight and Johnathan Knight) month-long American tour.

She performed on the first two weeks of the tour which started on October 13. Chynn's manager Julia Duball says the response to Chynn from fans overseas has been 'tremendous'.

Good times

She was first introduced to Akon early by Steve Rifkind, CEO of the SRC record label. According to Chynn, they breezed through the album in 'about two weeks', banging out Frozen and two other possible singles, We Don't Mess and Hypnotico.

These have been good times for Chynn whose best known songs prior to Frozen were Hyperventilating and Why.

After filming a recent television ad for Pepsi, she shot the video for Frozen with Akon in Miami and Los Angeles.

She plays the mob boss in I'm So Paid, Akon's next video, which will also see appearances from rappers Young Jeezy and Lil Wayne.