Lady Shantina is just breaking into the music industry, but this talented singer is very clear about what she wants to achieve through her songs.

Not only does she want to spread the message of love, Lady Shantina says her songs will seek to raise the consciousness of anyone who listens.

The 20-year-old songbird says her songs will also address social issues such as the neglect and abuse of children, and unplanned pregnancies.

"I want to get the message across that we must love our children," she emphasised.

The soft-spoken native of Portland says she also plans to produce positive songs that will help to provide some clarity for young people searching for direction.

"No doubt I want to be successful, but aside from that, I want to reach people out there who feel like they are alone in the world," she said.

"That's the main thing ... to instil confidence in people who lack self-confidence," she added.

With her smooth delivery, Lady Shantina has already recorded two such songs, Love You Till Eternity and I Do, which have earned positive reviews.

"I've got a lot of positive feedback ... people love it because it speaks about love. My mother asked me to perform I Do at her wedding last December," she revealed.

Like most artistes, Lady Shantina, born Shantina Simpson, started singing in church and believes she got her talent from her mother.

"I grew up in church singing on the choir. I would sing at other churches and concerts, and I got to meet other people," she recounted.

One of her best performances, she recalls, came three years ago at Genesis, an annual gospel show held in Portland.

However, that did not provide the breakthrough she was looking for.

Ironically, her big break came when her boss at the time heard her sing and introduced her to record producer Launa 'The One' Williams.

Lady Shantina was forced to put her dreams on hold as Williams had to leave Jamaica for several weeks.

She auditioned for Williams on her return, and the two bonded immediately.

"She (Williams) instantly loved what she heard and we began to talk about doing some recordings," Lady Shantina recalled.

Williams said she was impressed with the 20-year-old's sound and talent and "my first thoughts were - studio immediately."

"Knowing that she did not have any vocal training and had that sound, I thought, with vocal training, she could go further and do even more," Williams reasoned.

Williams said Lady Shantina is now signed to her label Launa The One Production, and she has brought international producer Grub Cooper on board for technical and production assistance.

Lady Shantina said she and Williams are now working on her first album - which they hope to release this month.

"Six of the songs are completed, and we are working on one or two more," she disclosed.

She said, being an artiste has been a positive development, because "it teaches you bravery and you have to get used to different surroundings."