Tina

Tina is a Slovak singer associated with R&B, hip hop and soul, and is also described as working across black music styles. She is born in Prešov, Slovakia, and later studies acting in Banská Bystrica after finishing high school. Her singing career begins in 2003.

Early career and recording work

She is introduced by Helico to Le Creative studio, where she records the song “Story”. The track becomes successful in Slovak radio charts and playlists. While recording with Helico, she meets producers P. Graus, T. Zubák and M. Kachút, and the group then begins preparing material for her solo album.

Tina accepts an invitation to take part in b3 concerts for the album be free for friends. Her stage performance is noted for spontaneity and feeling. She is also influenced by foreign and Slovak hip hop, and DJ Jazzy joins as co-producer on her album. Vec, Wich and Cistychov also take part in the album’s creation.

Albums, media work and performances

Her first album, Tina, is released on Millenium Records. She later records the EP I know you will say yes, which reaches high positions in music charts and receives frequent radio play for seven consecutive weeks. It is also issued with a video clip that is successful in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Another album, Chillin, is associated with EMI Records.

In summer 2004, she wins a competition for a presenter role on TV JOJ’s music programme and continues in that post. She also records jingles for Fun Radio and her voice is heard in television commercials. In 2004, she performs in the Puppetry Theatre at the Crossroads in Banská Bystrica in the production Kubo.

Live appearances and recognition

Tina performs as an opening act for De La Soul in Prague, Delinquent Habits in Bratislava, Groove Armada, Simply Red and the Black Eyed Peas. She also appears at major summer festivals in Slovakia.

In December 2004, she receives the Newcomer of the Year award from Grand Prix Radio. In February 2005, she receives two Aurel nominations for Female Singing Performance and Newcomer of the Year. She performs with a band including Marek Rusek on drums, Andrej Groll on bass guitar, Peter Preložník on keyboards, Andrej Hruska on guitar, Petr Raitl on percussion and Saša Okálová on voice.