She’s the new kid on Zin’s block, making her debut in April 2005. Opa got a chance to talk to her and find out how she’s doing and how is she coping with her new band members.

Opa: Hello, Sandra. Opa Would like to welcome you and also thank you for the opportunity to sit down for this interview. We all know you have some big shoes to fill since you’re taking the spot of former band member Daphne Dary, how do you feel about being the new girl in Zin?

Sandra: I have always been a die-hard fan of Zin, so as you can imagine my heart has not stopped beating.

Opa: How do you feel about people saying you’re Daphne’s replacement?

Sandra: I usually start off by saying no disrespect intended but I don’t think any member of Zin can be replaced. I feel more comfortable saying that I am here to continue the work that she started and aspire to do it as well as she did.

Opa: How did you get the job, where there any auditions?

Sandra: Alex Abellard had an opportunity to hear my vocals when we had some discussions on working on a project, so when Zin was holding open mic sessions on Sundays, I was invited to come. I went on several Sundays until a decision was reached.

Opa: How do you feel about working with Zin?

Sandra: It’s a very challenging experience to work with professionals whom you’ve admired since childhood. Everyone has been very welcoming and very professional.

Opa: I know you were a member of the band TIZ. Whatever happened to that band?

Sandra: Unfortunately the maestro of the band mysteriously passed away and the band took some time to grieve. From what, I have heard, however, the members are determined to keep Dalbert’s memory alive by reviving TIZ.

Opa: Did you ever get to perform live with them?

Sandra: I sang on the album and performed live with them as well.

Opa: Tell us a little about your musical background, was Tiz the first band you were in?

Sandra: I grew up singing in church and while I was always partial to Gospel, R&B, Pop, and Jazz, I always wanted to sing konpa. I ended up singing background for a couple local Boston bands.

Opa: Do you think your height put you at a disadvantage?

Sandra: Since I gave up the fantasy of becoming a runway model, I stopped concentrating on my height. When I stand next to my bandmates on stage it is quite hilarious for me to see how “mini” I truly am. Since I can’t stretch myself to my desired height I choose to laugh along with the jokes and even join in on poking fun at it myself. As far as being at a disadvantage, I don’t find that my height affects my vocal ability.

Opa: Good answer! What do you think is your strong point (vocally)

Sandra: I feel I have a strong low voice that tends to blend well when singing background and still versatile enough to give off a soulful sound when singing lead.

Opa: I’m not sure if you’ve heard the buzz you’ve been making online in regards to your relationship with Nia in Zin. Some people feel that your dance steps are not synchronized with Nia and are wondering are there any internal issues with the two of you. Which begs the question, what is your working relationship with Nia like?

Sandra: Nia and I do not live in the same state, so practicing has been virtually impossible, but we are working on changing that. Which answers the question of why we are not synchronized.

In my opinion, Nia is a very well mannered young lady. She comes in and warmly greets everyone the same as a professional, when she is on stage she is very focused on getting the job done. If I may also add before an artist is a very talented singer… she or he is first a human being with his or her own personality. On that note, I find it unfair for anyone to expect two different humans with two completely different personalities to appear like best friends when they’ve just met and only see each other during performances.

Opa: That’s an interesting way to put it. Speaking of just met…how long have you been in Zin?

Sandra: I officially started in April.

Opa:(laughing) Sandra, C’mon, April! You mean to tell me you ladies couldn’t get to know each other within the last four months?

Sandra: (Laughing) What do you mean. Am I lost? She has her own personality and so does I. But like I said we’re working on improving our dance steps.

Opa: Do you think you can last a year in Zin?

Sandra: I believe in a higher power, so it was meant for me to last a year then I believe I have the will and the determination to do so.

Opa: Have you sung any songs by yourself yet?

Sandra: I sang Hasta La Vista and Padone’m.

Opa: Is there a solo song in the works for you?

Sandra: I have not been notified of a solo song being in the works for me.
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Opa: Since you’re fairly new in the industry sort to say, a lot of people don’t really know you too much but why not give them the opportunity to learn a little bit more about you on a personal level. I have a series of personal questions to ask you. Are you ready?

Sandra: Yes.

Opa: When is your birthday and what’s your zodiac sign?

Sandra: I am an Aquarius born on Feb. 4th

Opa: Tell me a little about your educational background.

Sandra: Have a business degree.

Opa: Name three very important people in your life?

Sandra: Aside from God, my daughter is number one in my life and then comes my siblings and my parents.

Opa: Where were you born and where were you raised?

Sandra: I was born in Haiti and raised in the states.

Opa: What gets you out of bed in the morning, what inspires you to wake
up and face the day?

Sandra: My daughter.

Opa: What’s your favorite dish.

Sandra: Any type of seafood and lots of veggies.

Opa: What are two items you can’t live without?

Sandra: Prayer and water.

Opa: What was the best performance you had since you’ve been performing with Zin?

Sandra: Anytime I perform a solo and I remember the words and I feel the sound was mixed well, is a very good performance. I feel that has happened twice so far.

Opa: What’s your favorite place in the world to be?

Sandra: Anywhere there is crystal clear blue ocean water.

Opa: What do you look for in a man, mentally and physically?

Sandra: In a man, I look for honesty…and to tell you the truth I am still looking.

Opa: (Laughing) I hear you. Any significant other?

Sandra: I am single, but my heart pounds for someone who is very special to me.

Opa: Ohhh! What makes Sandra smile?

Sandra: Kindness

Opa: What makes you frown?

Sandra: Violence

Opa: What role does music play in your life?

Sandra: Music is definitely a stress reliever.

Opa: Final words To the fans

I would like to thank all of the fans who are willing to give me a chance to blossom in my new found role as Zin’s new vocalist. I respect the opinions of all of the fans good or bad and encourage them to continue voicing their opinions.

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