Three-time Belizean artist of the year, Tanya Carter is a sensational artist making her mark within the Caribbean reggae industry. Carter was born into a musical family and realised her love for music from a very young age. She earned a place on the Grace Primary choir at the tender age of four. Even though she was technically too young to be involved in the choir, they could not deny her powerful and melodic voice. Aged five Tanya Carter was already listening to music greats such as Dennis Brown. Bob Marley and Roberta Flack.
Tanya Carter went on to attend Edward P. High school, where she was introduced to classic and operatic singing. Despite these influences, Carter had already decided that she wanted to be a reggae artist. Tanya Carter chose to start her musical career aged 18. She recorded and released her first song, ‘I wanna Get to Know You Better’, which was a dancehall/reggae fusion. It was an instant hit. Before long Carter realised that she wanted to be involved in the complete music making progress. This would ensure that she had greater control in order to ensure what she wanted to express really came through. Tanya Carter became very involved with the Belize Music Agency and held the position of Post Program Coordinator at the Music Industry Association of Belize. She later became the Program Coordinator at the National Institute of Culture and History. This was a new government agency at the time. It was evident that Tanya Carter would excel at whatever she lent her hand to.
At 20 years old, Tanya Carter became the youngest artiste to win the Lord Rhaburn Outstanding Artiste award at the Lord Rhaburn Jazz Festival. An award that she was extremely honoured and grateful to win. Before long, Tanya Carter was opening for international acts such as Etana, Luciano, Morgan Heritage and Omarion. She also headlined shows and concerts throughout the Caribbean and America.