When reggae artists Sizzla and Edi Fitzroy described the epitome of a strong, black woman in the song ‘Princess Black’ they used words like tough, magnificent and progressive.Those who know up-and-coming singer/songwriter Ashanti Caesar believe she fits the song’s description perfectly.“It kind of encompassed everything I am,” said Ms Caesar. “People said I reminded them of the character in that song, probably because I am a hard worker and a single mom so all of that is outlaid in those lyrics.”That’s precisely why Ms Caesar, 30, settled on the stage name ‘Princess Black’ when she started singing reggae music back in 2003.She will perform alongside the band Conscious Bermuda and backup singer Tanaya Christopher tomorrow night at Chewstick’s Neo Griot Lounge.The performance is in celebration of the release of her first professional album, ‘Way of Life’.Ms Caesar began singing at her church and in musical productions at Warwick Academy.“At age nine I actually started with opera,” she said. “I love all types of music, but with reggae I thought it was an easy niche for me because vocally it’s clean and simple as opposed to something like gospel or R&B, which has lots of rifts and things.“It usually has a simple message and is something people can relate to.”While in high school, Ms Caesar did well in her studies, but was always passionate about music and reached high proficiency in both the saxophone and piano.She didn’t think of pursuing music as a career until years later.“It was always impressed on you to go and get a job. Everything else was just a hobby, but in hindsight I would have studied music,” she told The Royal Gazette. “If you really love and enjoy something that should be your passion.”While studying finance at the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands, she entered a singing competition hosted by reggae studio Runn Records.She performed ‘Killing Me Softly’ and an original song she had “made up on the fly” the night before.“I won the competition and won studio time. That’s where I recorded the song ‘You Left Me Lonely’, which is also on the album,” she said.That song was written about a long-distance relationship that ended after learning the boy she was seeing “had a sweetheart on the side”. Her mentor, Jamaican reggae veteran Vivian Jones, encouraged her to write songs she had an emotional connection with and that people could relate to.Competing on the European stage was a nerve-racking experience for Ms Caesar.Still, she then considered it easier than it would have been to perform in front of her peers in Bermuda.“That’s why people in Bermuda don’t really know me,” she explained.In 2006 she began touring with her husband Sylem, a French underground reggae artist, in Belgium, France and Germany.The mother-of-two eventually decided to return home to provide her children with better opportunities.Her ultimate goal is to travel the world representing Bermuda; she also wants to continue working with local musicians and singers and help build the music industry on the Island.“If I could do music full-time that would be a blessing, but until such time I am enjoying my career in risk management [at HSBC Bermuda]. It keeps my balance and allows me to use both sides of my brain,” she said.Ms Caesar is hopeful her music will inspire local audiences.“I just want them to get a good feel. If they are in a bad mood or stressed [I want my music to show them] they can change that. My song, ‘He Is In Control’, says don’t waste your time in despair because things have a way of working themselves out. Stay positive and keep moving.“Even when things make you sad just keep going and the forces of the universe work with you.”She said Chewstick was the perfect spot for the album release party, which will feature a performance by guitarist and singer Rivah.“I want people just to experience some good live music. It’s making a big comeback in Bermuda and I want to contribute to that and use music as an outlet,” she added.Admission is $10 to tomorrow’s event; doors open at 9pm. ‘Way of Life’, $20, is on sale in locations around Hamilton including It’s Only Natural on Princess Street, Music Box on Reid Street and Fatimaya and Chewstick on Court Street.