By Michael Mondezie
Photos by Colin Lowden
In the early 1980s, a young Wendy Sheppard pedalled through the streets of Bel Air, La Romaine on her BMX, humming melodies only she could hear. Even then, her heart carried a dream too big for her little world.
“I was a very shy child,” Wendy recalled. “Even though I knew from an early age that I could sing, I didn’t open myself up to opportunities until I was nine when my teacher encouraged me to audition for a school production of Cinderella. I ended up getting the star role because of my voice!”
In 19 days, Wendy will realise a lifelong dream when she takes centre stage at her first major solo concert: “Voices of Enchantment” at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s. The showcase will feature an all-female cast of singers and musicians—a celebration of talent, strength, and the transformative power of music.
“I always had it on my heart to put on a large show at a big venue, but life had certainly taken a different pace since the birth of my daughter Sofia,” she shared. “And then living through Covid and going through stage one breast cancer treatment, I had kept my projects to a smaller capacity.”
Wendy faced one of her most significant challenges when she was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer. Music became not just a profession, but a healing force, she recalled.
“That period of my life was difficult,” she admits. “But it also gave me a new perspective on life, on music, and on what truly matters.”
Now, with her health restored, Wendy’s childhood concert dream returned to the forefront of her mind, inspiring her to call on singers LeAndra Head, Alethea Beharry, Rosezanna “Roze” Winchester and Johanna “D Piano Girl” Chuckaree, among others. Together they plan to create musical magic, covering genres as diverse as Broadway, rock, pop and even Disney classics.
“I envisioned an all-female group of powerful singers blending their voices in a way that uplifts and inspires. It’s about touching hearts and souls.”
From ABBA to ITCZ
Wendy’s musical journey was shaped by a unique blend of faith and melody. Raised in an Anglican, born-again Christian household, music was woven into every part of her upbringing.
“My mother took us to Sunday School at an Evangelical Christian church, and I loved singing those songs,” she recalled. “But I was also exposed to popular music, particularly ABBA, thanks to my aunt, who owned every single album they ever made. I learned all the lyrics, and to this day, ABBA remains one of my favourite bands.”
Yet, it wasn’t just ABBA or Sunday School hymns that shaped Wendy’s musical journey. Her mother, Marionettes Chorale singer Elizabeth Sheppard, became her first study.
“My mum has this beautiful operatic voice,” she said proudly. “She inspired me to join the choir with her, and I had a wonderful time being a part of many of their Queen’s Hall productions.”
It was during this time Wendy became passionate for a life on the stage: “As a child, if you asked me the question: ‘Wendy, what do you want to be when you grow up?’ I would instantly say I want to be a singer!”
But it wasn’t until a call from Imij & Co guitarist Joey Ng Wai that she began seriously seeing herself as a professional singer.
“Joey gave me the opportunity to sing in his band ITCZ, and our first big show was at The Anchorage,” Wendy reminisced. “It was such a thrilling experience. I sang ‘Foolish Games’ by (American singer) Jewel (Kilcher), and I just felt this magical connection with the audience. That night, I knew that I belonged on stage.”
A vocal chameleon
Wendy’s unique ability to go from punk rocker to balladeer reflects her most prized asset: her versatile voice.
“Every event is unique, and you have to ask all the right questions to deliver a performance that resonates with that particular audience,” she said.
“My voice has grown in versatility over the years, and I love that I can create different sounds depending on the genre. But the real reward comes when I see the joy on people’s faces, knowing that my voice has touched them.”
Wendy hinted at releasing original music soon and continuing to nurture her vocal students through her home studio. A graduate of the Julliard School, New York, Wendy shared some of the same advice she gives her young charges to aspiring singers across the twin-islands.
“Believe in yourself and be brave enough to explore new opportunities,” she nodded. “It’s a journey of self-discovery. Find your voice, and don’t be afraid to use it.”
Reflecting on an incredible career Wendy says her genuine love for the craft has been key to her longevity.
“It’s simple,” she beamed. “I love what I do, and I’m passionate about giving my best every time I perform. Music is about connection, and as long as you stay true to yourself and nurture good relationships within the industry, you’ll find your place.”
Wendy Sheppard’s journey is a powerful reminder that when you follow your passion, magic happens. Today, that same little girl pedals beyond the streets of La Romaine onto new stages- living her dream one song at a time.
