By JoAnn Callender, For The Guardian

Since debuting to the Bahamian public at the age of four (4), Wendy Lewis has always had a certain presence onstage, and a love for singing. Bahamians all over knew her as "Little Sister Wendy Lewis" and her cover of Shirley Caesar's 'He'll Do It Again' was a crowd favorite. At age 8, Wendy had already released a two-single CD that included her first songwriting effort 'Save the Family'. As she matured, so did her talent and passion for music, so much so that she performed at numerous venues, including official State events, conferences, and concerts on her island, as well as other islands in The Bahamas .

Wendy has not only excelled as an artist, but has been involved in community and national events. The Junior Red Cross, Key Club of Nassau, volunteer work at the Children's ward of the Princess Margaret Hospital, and a member of the Bahamas National Youth Choir. With the Bahamas National Youth Choir, she had the opportunity to be an ambassador for her country while performing classical, Theatre, and folk music in The Bahamas, the United States, and Central America.

Wendy is the Luther Barnes Gospel Solo category winner of the National Arts Festival for 1999, the Nassau Music Society Scholarship Winner and has most recently been involved in the Caribbean Gospel Marlin Awards Festival.

Now at age 21, Wendy is ready to approach the International Gospel stage fresh, vibrant, and with a renewed, unadulterated passion for music and a genuine respect for her craft. With influences of Jazz, Gospel, R&B and Funk, Wendy's music mix is unique, and new. While working on her debut album, Wendy currently studies Music Business and Voice at the prestigious Berklee College of Music where she excels both academically and vocally, performing at various venues, including a tribute concert for renowned music producer, Rodney "DarkChild" Jerkins.

As a result of proceeds raised at the 'Celebration of Love' concert last year in honor of Bahamian icon, Kayla Lockhart-Edwards; The Kayla Edwards Chamber Singers are proud to make their first grant presentation to Bahamian singer Wendy Lewis. Wendy has been chosen as our first recipient because of her impressive vocal ability and her outstanding academic achievements.

Wendy is an alumnus of The College of the Bahamas and is presently studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Lewis has been on the Dean's list of Berklee College of Music from 2004 – 2007.