Hasani Walters, STAR Writer

Following the recent death of her father, female dancehall artiste Toya has been mourning but says the loss will in no way set back her career.

Speaking with THESTAR, Toya said, "I've been coping with it so far, but I'm the eldest child so I have to be strong for everybody. This is a time when I have to be strong. Nobody can be okay when yuh lose a mother, father and child. I'm grieving, but I'm here still. Everything that happens in your life makes you stronger."

She recalled her first reaction upon hearing of her father's death saying, "At first, when they called me they told me that it was an accident; and when I asked what type of accident, and where it was, they said that he's no longer here and I was like wow, my father is gone, no longer with us. I was very sad."

In a release issued by the Constabulary Communications Network, 'the body of 46-year-old Brian Jackson, otherwise called 'Jacko', of a Greater Portmore address, was found along Dyke Road in Portmore, St Catherine (Wednesday morning).'

Information received from the Caymanas police is that about 9:30 a.m., citizens stumbled upon the body, near the train line, and summoned the police. The scene was processed and the body removed to the morgue. Investigations continue.

The incident will not slow down her musical career, however, as she already has a new single out and is still busy at work in the studios.

"Not at all, no, it's not gonna set back my career, in any way. I already have a new single, 12 Speed Blender, out on the road and I'm still busy as ever with work. Where there is life there is death you know; and you can kill the flesh, but yuh can't kill the soul," she said.

Toya said she is looking forward to entering the spotlight this year as she is working hard, and this incident will only serve as additional motivation to get her name and brand in the public's eye.

Toya is known for her singles, Hot Like A Fire, Boss Lady and True Blessing. She is also working on her debut album which is soon to be released.