Tess Charles

Chrystal “TESS” Charles is a singer, entertainer, event producer, and creative entrepreneur from the Turks and Caicos Islands. Known for her soulful voice, engaging performances, and commitment to supporting local talent, she has built a career that goes beyond singing. From performing jazz and soul to creating opportunities for other artists, TESS has become a recognized figure in the islands’ entertainment scene.

Early Life and Background

Chrystal Charles was born on Grand Turk, the capital island of the Turks and Caicos Islands. She has Turks and Caicos, Jamaican, and Vincentian heritage, giving her a multicultural Caribbean background that influences her artistic identity.

Before pursuing entertainment full-time, Charles spent approximately ten years working in the hospitality industry. She also earned a degree in tourism and hospitality management, providing her with professional experience that later proved useful in organising events and developing creative projects.

Although hospitality offered a practical career path, music remained an important part of her life. She eventually decided to follow her passion and build a future as a performer. 

Why She Is Called TESS

Her stage name carries a special meaning. TESS stands for “Tell Someone Something,” a phrase associated with a community campaign encouraging people to share information with the police following the 2013 killing of Kaziah Burke.

For Charles, the name became a reminder of her friendship with Burke and the importance of community responsibility. It also gave her artistic identity a message that reaches beyond entertainment. 

Music Career and Rise to Recognition

Charles began performing publicly in 2013, making her debut at Miss Turks and Caicos Universe. She later became a headliner at local events and officially committed to entertainment as her full-time career in 2016.

Her musical style includes jazz, soul, reggae, and soca. She enjoys performing songs associated with legendary singers such as Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald while also developing original music inspired by Caribbean life.

In 2015, she released “Daa’n My Business,” a self-written soca and ripsaw track produced for the Grace Bay Riddim. She has also performed her vocals on “For You,” a reggae song written by Carl “Choice” Lewis.

Her career has taken her to performances in New York, Miami, the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic. She has also won the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Entertainer of the Year award twice. 

Supporting Other Creatives

Beyond music, TESS has worked as a television host, event producer, and arts organiser. She hosted Good Morning Turks and Caicos and helped organise Perform On Point, a singing competition that supports local schools through charitable donations.

One of her notable projects is BYOC, meaning Bring Your Own Creativity, a monthly gathering designed to help artists connect, collaborate, share ideas, and develop their skills. Her wider goal is to create more opportunities for Caribbean creatives to turn their passions into sustainable careers. 

Legacy and Future Goals

Chrystal “TESS” Charles represents a creative spirit deeply connected to her Caribbean roots. Through music, entrepreneurship, and community projects, she continues to encourage artistic expression and collaboration throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.