Her mesmerizing sound, electric stage presence and infectious smile will make you a fan for life! Charisa Smith is a singer, songwriter, and all around captivating entertainer that resides on one of the many beautiful islands in The Bahamas. In her early years of discovering and nurturing her gift, Charisa joined the internationally recognized Bahamas National Youth Choir under the tutelage of the late Cleophas R. E. Adderley. Joining this organization was the catalyst that deepened her love for music and performance. Charisa has traveled the world, and graced many stages with her unforgettable presence. At the end of a remarkable six year trek with BNYC, she was named a Bahamian Ambassador in the art of culture.

Charisa took a step away from choral singing to embark on a journey that would make her the name she is today. In the years 2015-2017 she had become the lead singer of The Jam Session Band, and in the year 2018 she transitioned into The Essence Band. Over the years, Charisa has also released three solo singles, “All Mine”, “Get Gone” and “Just Wine”. She has also been recognized and nominated for her singles “All Mine”, and “Get Gone.” Currently, Charisa continues to thrive as the lead singer of The Essence Band, and is undoubtedly a source of inspiration to many. She discerns that her talents are greater than she could ever imagine, and she hopes that it will bring healing in whatever capacity it was intended.

Jermaine Taylor is a seasoned professional drummer with an illustrious career spanning 11 years, rooted in a passion for drumming since the tender age of 5. His musical journey has seen him masterfully navigate an extensive array of genres, showcasing his prowess in gospel, reggae, pop, soca, and various other musical styles.

An integral part of the esteemed Essence band for a commendable 6 years, Jermaine's drumming prowess has contributed significantly to the band's distinctive sound and success. His versatile skills, coupled with a deep understanding of rhythm across diverse musical landscapes, have earned him recognition and admiration among both peers and audiences alike.

Carlano developed his passion and love for music during his school years. He was a member of several marching bands and had the opportunity to represent The Bahamas, performing throughout the United States of America, Canada, and the United Kingdom. He is a graduate of the illustrious Prairie View A&M University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. While Carlano studied, he was a part of the Marching Storm Band and many other ensembles as a trombonist and as section leader. He also received the Best Outstanding Musicianship Award as a band member. Not only is Carlano a gifted musician, but he is also service orientated, becoming a proud member of the Rho Theta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated in 2019. After completing his studies at PVAMU, Carlano returned home, and is a dedicated music educator in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas as he looks to take music in The Bahamas to another level.

Christian has over two decades of experience in the music industry to his credit. His love for music started from early childhood and his parents ensured he had the tools and support necessary to fulfill his passion. He is considered one of the most versatile musicians in The Bahamas which he credits to his strong background in Gospel Music. He is a successful session musician and has recorded numerous studio/live projects from Gospel to Country to Contemporary Rock to name a few. He has played with local leading gospel group Shaback since a teenager. This has afforded him opportunities to share his gift through music throughout The Bahamas, United States, Canada, England, France, Japan, UAE (Dubai), South Africa, Jamaica and Turks & Caicos. He has worked with many local and international artists over the years. This has helped him continue to push himself to maintain a high standard and quality of musicianship and professionalism.

Mansa was born into a family of musicians and performers. While growing up he he gravitated towards different genres such as jazz, hip hop rock and roll and blues. Mansa began his musical journey playing drums and he later picked up the trumpet and ever since then he has been honing his craft studying with Ronald Campbell Sr. and Dustin Babb. He was a member of the two marching bands where he was a drum major.
Mansa continued to study Music Performance at North Eastern Oklahoma A&M College under the mentorship of Mr. Adam Compton band leader and brass instructor at the college. At Missouri Southern State University he studied with Mr.Fred Green Trumpet Professor and big band director and Dr. Phillip Wise trombone professor and jazz combo instructor. He has peformed throughout The Bahamas as well as performing at the Jazz Education Network in Houston, Texas. He has recorded with legendary recording engineer Mr. Eric T.Schabacker who has worked with Michael Jackson, James Brown and Gladys
Knight. Mansa continues to grow as an artist and wants to use his gift to uplift and inspire people.

Javon developed an early interest in music as a result of being born into a musical family. His father pastored a church on the island of Exuma, The Bahamas and this nurtured his interest at a very early age in playing the drums in the church. Taking careful note of the love and passion Javon displayed for music, his parents decided to send him to weekly piano lessons. A combination of skills, talent, attitude and passion has afforded Javon the opportunity to develop a name for himself within the music industry of The Bahamas. He saw no limits to his ability and followed his desire to explore all genres of music. Today, Javon has had the opportunity to work with renowned local and international artists, bands and entities, including Miranda Curtis, Julien Believe, Wendi & Dyson Knight, Ira Storr & The Spank Band, The Higher Level Band and so many more. He spends a great deal of his time learning and composing music as it his dream to one day release music, perform and be recognized internationally. In January 2022, Javon was selected to participate in representing The Bahamas at The Dubai Expo 2020 national day ceremonies. This opportunity was the fulfillment of one of his life’s wishes: to perform Bahamian music on a world stage. In a few years, Javon hopes to share his story with the world as an inspiration to others that despite humble beginnings, passion, practice, pursuit and perspective can create unimaginable opportunities.

Travis is a seasoned professional guitarist hailing from the island of New Providence, The Bahamas. After graduating with distinction from The University of The Bahamas in 2019 with an Associate of Arts Degree in Music, Travis has become a sought-after musician. One of Travis's first encounters with The Essence Band was during a performance alongside NBC's The Voice contestant Blaze Johnson. Travis's versatility and talent extend beyond the local stage, having collaborated with both local and international artists. In 2021, he seized a unique opportunity to work alongside Grammy-nominated songwriter Stacy Barthe and lent his musical prowess as a session musician to the legendary Shania Twain, a five-time Grammy award-winning recording artist. With a distinctive style and a passion for creating musical magic, Travis continues to leave an indelible mark on the global music landscape.