The Tribune

By LESH

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

AS BAHAMIAN “singing sensation” T’rez Hepburn continues to recover from a massive stroke, the local music community is sending her well wishes.

T’rez, who is known for her hits such as “ You Gon Talk It,” “ Suga Shack,” and “Mr Bus Driver,” just to name a few, was rushed to Doctors Hospital two weeks ago, after experiencing a stroke. According to a relative of T’rez, based on her progress to date, she has been responding. “ The doctors say she is improving at a good pace,” the source said.

Local musicians from Bodine and Mdeez to Rapp Quelle and D Mac all spoke about how T’rez plays a major role in the music industry and how the news of her illness was heartbreaking.

“As soon as I got the call about her being ill I said a prayer. She is one of the recording artists in the country who is undeniably talented and I grew up hearing her voice. I hope that T’rez is back sharing her gift with us soon and so does everyone at No Hit Wonders,” said Rapp Quelle.

For Bahamian singer Bodine, T’rez has always been someone she considered a mentor in the music community.

“ She is humble and she is a great example of how to give without expecting anything in return. The news of her being ill was just overwhelming because I’ve seen her just less than two weeks before. I am really praying that she recovers fully,” said Bodine.

Bahamian Rapper MDeez said T’rez is not only a sister to him, she is a sister to the music world at large. He said: “ I called her phone the other day just to see if I could hear my sister. Luckily someone in her family, maybe her mom, answered. And I was so happy to hear that she was doing better, despite all the rumours. Please stop the rumours, my music sister is getting well, I speak this. Get better soon boo we miss you out here and there’s a lot more work to be done.”

Willis Knowles, lead singer of the Illest said the band is keeping T’rez in their prayers and keeping her in a positive place in their lives and in their hearts.

“ All of the guys, we are hoping she gets better. She’s a big pinnacle part in the music scene here in Nassau so we hope she gets well soon. I haven’t personally worked with her, but before getting into music professionally here, I have met her a couple of times through family and friends,” said Willis.

Recording artist, Julien Thompson added: “ In a sense I want us to use this, especially when it comes to all of the artists, number one, to have a sense of camaraderie and support one another and don’t wait for bad events to take place. These people are pioneers and trying to do whatever they can to represent our country, our music and our culture. We really have to get behind and support them. I used to see T’rez all the time. I’ve always seen her and she’s always been kind to me and do whatever she could. I just want her to get well soon.”

Gospel artist and producer Dj Counsellor said T’rez is a Bahamian icon and the news about her was definitely a blow. “ I think she is one of the only consistent female musicians today. The Bahamas has not had consistent female musicians for a very long time. Definitely this is a blow, the last time I saw her was about three weeks ago when I was heading to Freeport for an event. I am praying for her speedy recovery and I wish her well. She is a very good friend of mine and she is a believer in God also.”

Having the chance to work with T’rez on many occasions, D Mac said she was always a pleasant person to him, always excited and beautiful. “ I think what she is going through is very sad. All of the entertainers are wishing her well and praying for her speedy recovery. Something like this shows us that it can happen to anyone,” he said.