D.I.V.A

Birth Name: Crystal Lynnette Johnson (Collie) Born: September 14th, 1983 Origin: Nassau, The Bahamas Genre: R&B, Reggae, Rap, Hip Hop, Ballads Occupation (s): Banker, Singer, Rapper, Lyricist, Dancer, Model, Poet Years Active: 2007-present Label: Unsigned Website: www.myspace.com/242d.i.v.a WELCOME TO MY LIFE AS: Crystal Lynnette Johnson (born September 14th, 1983), known as “D.I.V.A”, is a Bahamian Recording Artist and aspiring International Campaign model. Born in New Providence (Na...

Birth Name: Crystal Lynnette Johnson (Collie) Born: September 14th, 1983 Origin: Nassau, The Bahamas Genre: R&B, Reggae, Rap, Hip Hop, Ballads Occupation (s): Banker, Singer, Rapper, Lyricist, Dancer, Model, Poet Years Active: 2007-present Label: Unsigned Website: www.myspace.com/242d.i.v.a WELCOME TO MY LIFE AS: Crystal Lynnette Johnson (born September 14th, 1983), known as “D.I.V.A”, is a Bahamian Recording Artist and aspiring International Campaign model. Born in New Providence (Nassau), Bahamas, where she lived and grew all of her life. In January 2011, “D.I.V.A”, will release her first album “Alter-Ego”. The Artist redirected her focus on the “Alter-Ego” album because in accordance to her, it will define “who she truly is”. 1983-2007: Early life & Career beginnings “D.I.V.A” was born in New Providence (Nassau), The Bahamas to Christopher Johnson, a local Broadcasting Control Room Operator/Mortician at the time, and Carolynn Johnson, an ex-police Officer and Housekeeper with Merv Griffin Resort, now called Kerzner International Resort & Casino (Atlantis). Her mother a native of The Bahamas is a descendant of Cat Island, and her father, also a native, is a descendant of Eleuthera. She is the second oldest of three children; one older sister, Tyisha and one younger brother, Christoff. She began singing at the age of seven. Her childhood was deeply affected by physical, mental, emotional and sexual abuse and was often mistreated by her immediate family members. She was amidst a rocky and abusive marriage between her parents; a marriage that her mother would be liberated from in 2006. She is a Bahamian singer, rapper, urban poet, lyricist, musician and full-time mom. Early in her adulthood she established her reputation, “D.I.V.A”, from her close friends because of her high spirit, “sick” fashion sense, multi-talent, self-confidence and nonchalant attitude. Though her many great characteristics, her childhood was blemished with violence, heartbreaks, troubled family relations, date rape, and teenage pregnancy, yet this bold and self-confident young lady held her composure and completed her studies and successfully obtained numerous scholastic achievements, such as an: Associate of Art in Basic Communications & Humanities, a Bachelors of Science in Accounting & Mass Communications, a U.S certification in the Series 7 –General Securities Registered Representatives program, and many more. “D.I.V.A” still has a “9-to-5” job, working for a local Offshore Bank and recently obtained an international certification as a Certified Financial Planner through the Bahamas Institute of Financial Services. “D.I.V.A” is currently enrolled in the Certified Financial Analyst program (CFA) as a Level I Candidate and is enrolled in Berklee Music College’s Music Production program. On June 17th 1999, the summer before “D.I.V.A” was expected to graduate from high school, she attended a banquet held by L. W. Young Secondary School, in honor of those students who contributed to the school’s reputation in Music & the Arts. She was escorted by a male friend who was also her classmate. His older brother had chaperoned them to the event and was the driver. Later that night, after her classmate was taken back home by his brother, “D.I.V.A” was raped by her classmate’s brother, and as a result became pregnant. “D.I.V.A” remained in school until the fall semester had been completed and then volunteered to join the P.A.C.E program, for Teenage mothers in hopes of obtaining adequate knowledge on her new role as a mother. During this time, she learnt about the life inside of her and how to care for herself and her child and also prepared for her National examinations, called the Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE), where she successfully obtained six (6), with Grades B and above. On March 17th, 2000, “D.I.V.A”, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, whom she named Tywanna Amber Johnson. Determined to be successful in life despite her struggles ahead of her, “D.I.V.A” enrolled in Broward Community College’s Associate Degree program where she later obtained an Associate of Art in Basic Communications & Humanities. In February of 2001, “D.I.V.A” would meet Lavardo “BLUE” Collie, and would give birth to her second child by him, on October 13th, 2004. She would name her son: Lavardo James Collie Jr. They lived together as he worked off and on the island on major construction projects, while she worked as a Customer Service Representative at the Bank of the Bahamas International, Shirley Street Branch. On February 18th, 2006, at the Bethel Baptist Church, in the presence of her aunt & uncle (who acted as their witnesses), her two children, the Pastor (Pastor Matthias Munroe), and her soon-to-be husband, “D.I.V.A” was happily married. “D.I.V.A” would very soon begin her Bachelors Degree with Nova Southeastern University (Online) then later cancel her enrollment to complete her degree in Accounting w/Concentration in Mass Communications at the American InterContinental University (AIU – Online). Shortly after, she left her job at Bank of the Bahamas to pursue a career in Offshore Banking at Ansbacher (Bahamas) Limited. “D.I.V.A” would receive her first promotion into the company’s Business Development department, after working only three months with the company. Later on she would be moved to work between two departments: Information Technology & Administration. On April 2nd, 2007, “D.I.V.A” sat in the upstairs bedroom of her mother’s two bedroom apartment, where she also stayed in another unit below with her family, waiting for her husband to return so that they could retire for the night. After roller-setting her mother’s hair, “D.I.V.A” would wait in her mother’s living room watching television until her husband came to take her home. Around 10:30 p.m., “D.I.V.A’s” mother dashed into the living room to alert her of a fight that had broken out across the street between two individuals. Her mom would tell her that she heard bottles being thrown, which prompted a reaction from “D.I.V.A” to go to the bedroom window to see what was happening. After getting to the bedroom window, “D.I.V.A” would see a man sitting on the torso of another individual who had already fallen to the ground and was making jabbing blows to the individual’s upper body. Upon seeing this, “D.I.V.A” ran to her brother’s bedroom and pleaded with him for the two of them to go outside and help the individual who was being attacked. Not knowing that the individual was stabbed, neither knowing that the individual left to die was her husband, “D.I.V.A” and her brother proceeded to the aid of the person left to die outside of their home. As they got closer to the body, “D.I.V.A”, who reacted on the screams of an older lady who they had met on the scene and had apparently followed the dispute, began to call for an ambulance from her cell phone as she stood at the end of the corner, feet away from the body. “D.I.V.A” was clueless as to the identity of the man who was now dead, until her brother had approached the body and identified the individual as her husband. “D.I.V.A” later was able to identify the man, who after killing her husband turned himself in to authorities. “D.I.V.A” identified the man as James Adderley, the same man her husband mentioned had threatened his life after he refused to give him a dollar that Saturday afternoon before his death. On April 14th, 2007, “D.I.V.A” would gather with family and friends to mourn the loss of her beloved husband, “Lavardo “BLUE” Collie Sr.” “D.I.V.A” became a widow and single parent at the age of 23. Her husband left behind his young widow, only biological child: 2-year-old, Lavardo Collie Jr. and a stepdaughter he accepted and cherish from inception: 7-year-old, Tywanna Johnson. “D.I.V.A” recorded one song while under Make ‘Em Listen, entitled, “Blu My Mind”. This beautiful ballad was written by “D.I.V.A”, produced by: Sherado “Boogie” Sands and the guitar arrangement was done by local music artist, “Irate”. 2008-2009 Break Into The Local Industry In 2001, during her employment at the Zoo Nightclub and The Tribune News Media Company, “D.I.V.A”, was introduced to local Dj and former Zoo Nightclub staff, “DJ Xcitement” by an older male cousin who had also been employed at The Zoo Nightclub, at the time. “DJ Xcitement” immediately saw potential in “D.I.V.A” but “D.I.V.A” was unexposed and allowed her fear of public performances and crowds to temporarily disable her pursuit of Stardom. In 2007, “D.I.V.A”, following the death of her husband, she made a pact to herself to embrace her passion in music and to push forward in obtaining a successful career that would enable to comfortably provide for her small family. She obtained a Bachelors of Science Degree from American InterContinental University (AIU) and later joined the Theta Epsilon Zeta Graduate Chapter in The Bahamas, where she became a proud member of the Fall 2007 Line: “The 5 Phenomenal Felines”, and is an official member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. “D.I.V.A” was slated to record a song written by herself entitled, “Without You”. The song was expected to be placed on a compilation CD that would have featured Jamaica’s top Music Artist, with “D.I.V.A” being the only of the only other Nationality to be featured on the disc, in an effort to support Jamaican Reggae Artist, “Jah Cure”, who was sentenced to prison and was expected to be released. “Christina Grand” close friend of “D.I.V.A” and Publicist of “Jah Cure” came to The Bahamas to meet the Artist as well as work on her contribution to the Album for “Jah Cure”. However, “D.I.V.A” did not pull through, admitting that she was not ready at that time to commit to the project. Close friend of “D.I.V.A” and brotherly figure, local DJ “Da Mighty Pencil” would soon introduce her to upcoming local Producer and Nightclub DJ, known to many as “DJ Cleancut”. The two connected instantly and both worked hand in hand to help each other achieve their initial goals. “D.I.V.A” was focused on working on her music, with someone who would give her a chance, as she found herself being rejected over and over by other artists and producers in the local industry. “DJ Cleancut” would learn to master his production skills by working with “D.I.V.A” on demos which he recorded in his home studio. In October 2008, “D.I.V.A” signed with Patricia Chatti, CEO of the Make ‘Em Listen Movement Bahamas. She released her first three Singles to Bahamian ears shortly thereafter. All of her songs are self-written and concern her frustrations and feelings toward her life experiences. “Blu Her Mind”, which she recorded under Make ‘Em Listen, was written by herself, arranged by local Music Artist, “Irate”, and produced by Sherado “Boogee” Sands, was dedicated to her then boyfriend, who felt that she had been taking his love for granted and that she was not giving her best in their relationship. The song lets him know how she really feels as she promises a “turn-around” for the prosperity of their relationship. This song was released in November of 2008. Other songs like “Crazy Ova U” (Produced by “DJ Cleancut”), a provocative song, which she again wrote to her boyfriend. “Real G” (Produced by “DJ Cleancut”), her well-loved and controversial song, that speaks about the negative experiences she faced getting into the local music industry as well as her life as what some may consider a… "Ghetto girl". “Life’s Gon Be Greater” (Produced by “DJ Cleancut”), speaks about her struggle as a young widow and single mother. It speaks about her hurt and the murder of her late husband. Despite her challenges in life, “D.I.V.A”, has proven her perseverance and commitment to being the best that she can be in life. Her main goal is to “become The Bahamas’ first female legend to take this little rock, everywhere it needs to go in the World”. She puts God first in all things and loves her two children, Tywanna and Lavardo Jr., dearly. ”D.I.V.A” has made her way to local Airwaves and is known for her infamous Dub Plays for local 100 Jamz Air Personality, “Joe Koolz”. With her second released song, “I’m Official” featuring Lady Millz, “D.I.V.A” made a statement to radio listeners, that she is definitely the “best female artist in the local game right now” and remained in second place on the “Bahama Hot Ones Top 8 Countdown” by local 100 Jamz Air Personality, “Randy C”, for three weeks until she dropped to number seven where her song remained for an additional four weeks. “D.I.V.A” would feature on songs such as “Raise Ya Glass” by former MEL Artist, “Pro Fessa”, which held a steady spot on 100 Jamz. With bright hopes, confidence and passion, “D.I.V.A” says that her “future has never looked so much promising, as it does now!” “D.I.V.A” i presently seeking an international record deal with a reputable and successful label. She is expected to release her new and upcoming album, “Alter-Ego” in January 2011. ~~The End~~ BOOKING INFORMATION Contact: (242) 456-1126 or platinum-d.i.v.a@live.com DISCOGRAPHY LINK www.myspace.com/242d.i.v.a