ASTAR Shines Brightly with Pop-Afro Single ‘TTL TTR’

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Singer and philanthropist Astou Sandra Smith—better known as ASTAR—is set to release her latest single, “TTL TTR.” The multitalented artist brings to the global stage her unique blend of pop and Afro, alongside her creative talents.

ASTAR’s versatility enables her to cross genres with grace. “It’s what makes my sound unique,” tells the artist. “That and having to do so much at a young age. I want to show the world what I am about, who I am,” adds ASTAR.

ASTAR’s passion for music began a long time ago, sparked by two parents who both loved music. “They came up with my name, which means so much to me,” shares the artist. “It came from them.” ASTAR is derived from “Astou,” the singer’s Senegalese name, and the idea of being a star. When ASTAR’s mother was expecting her, she felt that the singer would one day be destined for stardom. That is how her stage name was born.

Over the years, ASTAR’s talent blossomed under her parents’ care. “One of the first songs I released, my parents contributed to,” shares the musician. “They brought me into music as I was growing up.”

Her career quickly developed from a young age. At age 9, she appeared in commercials. At 11, she released her first music video. Two years later, ASTAR released her second video, winning a nomination for Children Ambassador at the Universal Expo Milano in Italy.

When ASTAR’s mother (and manager) passed in her teenage years, the young singer found strength in her grief that propelled her to work even harder toward achieving her goals. “I wanted to accomplish what she wanted for me. It was also my dream, of course,” she adds. From that point on, ASTAR went on to win various awards across numerous fields, not just in music but in leadership and impact as well. One notable accomplishment includes winning the Oscards d’Afrique Best Female Artist 2022 award.

ASTAR’s new single, “TTL TTR,” is a fun, energetic song made for listeners to have a good time. “It stands for ‘to the left, to the right,’” tells ASTAR. “I want everyone to feel the same energy I felt while making the song and video. I also wanted to show my culture to the world.”

“The main message for me—and for anybody who feels down in that moment—is to listen to something that can uplift them,” adds the singer. “It’s the perfect song to lift your mood, dance, feel positive vibes and energy.”

The single and accompanying video demonstrate more than ASTAR’s musical talents—they also showcase her skills as a director and independent artist. “I design everything on my own, from looks to choreography to the script,” adds ASTAR. “Everything a whole team would do, I did.”

What makes ASTAR shine is not only her musical talents but her compassion and grace. The Starlettes are ASTAR’s fans, and she doesn’t hesitate to show them love in return. From meet-and-greets to holiday meals, ASTAR and her fans make up a tight-knit community. ASTAR is also heavily involved in her local community. In 2020, ASTAR earned the Future African Leader award, issued by African Women Leadership. In 2021, she created the non-profit service “ASTAR Foundation” to help those in need, including children in foster care and orphanages.

Make sure to stay connected to ASTAR on all platforms for new music, videos, and social posts.

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Royal Deb displays her Jamaican roots new reggae single “Somebody For Everybody”

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Since Royal Deb was just a child in St. Ann, Jamaica, she has been immersed in the reggae music scene. Now the eccentric, joyful artist from the Caribbean is taking that inspiration and making her own music, with her newest single “Somebody For Everybody.”

The song touches on how whether you are big, small, fat, skinny, tall or short- there is someone out there for you. It was a collaborative effort between Royal Deb and renowned producer Andre Betts, who not only worked with her on the lyrics, but also on making the beats and directing the music video.

“No matter what is going on in the world, no matter what you look like, or the size you are, or the color, no matter who you are- there’s Somebody For Everybody,” she said. “There are people who are single that are hearing this, and telling me, thank you. They say, I want to go out and find me a mate, find me a partner. I say, go out and find your somebody.”

Royal Deb said the video was the perfect way to show all the love and fun she has. She is a big fan of dressing up in different outfits and getting into different characters, and this was her shot to do just that.

“I just feel it,” she said. “I just love to express myself like that. And I feel it when I’m singing, when I’m dancing.”

Royal Deb was born and raised in the Parish of St. Ann, and growing up she was enthralled by reggae legends Bob Marley and Gregory Isaacs. She still remembers crying when Bob Marley’s casket was taken into the street, and said that it is just more than music. It is a way of life and a mantra. Sean Paul is also her cousin, so the musical prowess is part of her overall being.

The sounds of reggae not only filled the dance halls, but it also made its way into the streets for massive all-night dance parties. This kind of life is what inspired her dream of performing on a large stage in America.

“The music has always been in my soul,” Royal Deb said. “I grew up a farm girl, but at night when I’d hear that sound system in the street, I’d be out of the house. I’d be out there dancing every damn night. Then when I was in school I used to go on stage, and I said, ‘one day I’ll make some reggae music.’”

Royal Deb moved to the US in the 1980s and married her “rock” Larry Barr, who has supported her in every step in her music career. They both train together as martial artists, and she is a clerk during the daytime. She has also raised two daughters and two stepsons, and in the midst of life, Royal Deb is striving to make her dream of being a reggae artist come true.

Royal Deb has been hard at work with Betts putting out some top quality, reggae music for the world to hear. She already released “Give Mi Da 6” and “All My Ladies,” and she is well on her way to creating an album. She has aspirations of hitting the stage for the world to see her, and said she has many gigs throughout Bergen County, in New York and New Jersey in the near future. If there’s one thing she knows how to do, it is carry a crowd and party.

“I have to think big and positive,” she said. “I’m such a positive person. Once you take the fun out of things, that’s where everything goes down. You have to make life joyful and happy, and that’s how it flows. Just like music. Some people might say I started late. But no, I am here.”

Be sure to check out “Somebody For Everybody” and the music by Royal Deb, available on all platforms.

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