Elecia Minott (May 12, 1980) formerly Dream and more popularly known as Empress Minott is a Toronto Canadian-based Jamaica roots reggae singer, song writer and dancer best known for her singles "Stumbling Blocks" and "Show Us the Way" which is currently topping the Canadian charts. Empress Minott won the 2011 Reggae Music Achievement Award for Best Promising Reggae Artist and was nominated for a 2009 Canadian Reggae Music Award. Early Life Empress Minott was born in the parish of Portland, Jamaica and grew up in a home with devout Christian parents. She has said that her religious and spiritual background has been a major influence in her music today. However, growing up in a Christian home proved challenging for her as she could not express her creative and curious side using reggae as medium as back then reggae music and Christianity didn't quite mix, thus Empress Minott often felt compelled to suppress her creative energies. At the age of 11, after sitting the Common Entrance Exam, she received scholarship to attend Titchfield High School. Three years later, she migrated to Canada where she was exposed to a larger variety of musical genres. She quickly became involved in school, church and community choirs where she received encouragement and the necessary training to develop her skills. Career Empress Minott began performing dancehall and hip-hop music under the moniker Dreams in 2006, but after a year she made the cross over to roots reggae music. She made her debut as Empress Minott and recorded the song Stumbling Block the following year. Empress Minott has performed throughout the Island of Jamaica and other countries like Canada and the United States. She has performed with top international reggae artistes including Romain Virgo, L.U.S.T, Morgan Heritage, Gyptian, Queen Sheba, Bush Man, Sugar Roy, Conrad Crystal, Sugar Minott, Taurus Riley Singing Melody and many more. She has also graced stages with Juno Award winning reggae artist Blessed, Canadian Reggae Award winner Tonya P, and many other local artistes. On stage, Empress Minott brings forth an energy and flare that leaves everyone talking. No matter how big or how small her audiences, she puts forth her best performance for the people. Songs like "Stumbling Blocks" and "Show Us the Way" are steadily climbing most of the reggae top ten charts in Canada and taking the airwaves by storm. She also recently finished two videos for both songs which can be found on TVJ and CVM Television in Jamaica and on TV stations all around the world. "Stumbling Blocks" was also featured in a Canadian sitcom called "Da Kink in My Hair", which was aired on Global TV on March 19, 2009. Empress Minott was nominated for a 2009 Canadian Reggae Music Award. Her style and grace have definitely been attracting many fans all around the universe. Most recently on March 19, 2011 Empress Minott has launched her highly anticipated Album called Natural Healer. The Natural healer is an uplifting and motivating Musical inspiration that has and will touch many lives. Track 2 "Shine" and 4 "Nothing Can Compare" off her Album is on steady rotation in Europe. In June 2011 Empress Minott won a Reggae Music Achievement Award for Best Promising Reggae Artist. Her latest single Respect is currently on the top ten charts in Canada and is being recognized worldwide. Empress Minott has been blessed with many skills and graceful talents. Besides singing and songwriting, dancing is another one of the skills that she possesses. In her spare time she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen preparing delicious vegetarian meals and natural fruit juices. As a child of the sun, Empress Minott is also fascinated with observing all aspects of nature.