Brick and Lace - File photos

FEMALE ACTS held their own in Jamaican music throughout 2008. In fact, they made more of an impact than their male counterparts did, in terms of creativity and overseas presence. Here are some of the ladies who made their mark.

Etana:

Etana

VP Records dropped her long-awaited debut, The Strong One, in August. Although it spawned the hit songs, Roots and Warrior Queen, The Strong One was overlooked for a spot in the Best Reggae Album category at next month's Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.

Queen Ifrica:

Queen Ifrica

Continues to be on a roll. Daddy Don't Touch Me There and Keep It To Yuhself were both hit songs for the conscious deejay, who scored big in 2007 with the catchy Below the Waist. Her new album, which is being produced by Tony Rebel, is due in March.

Cherine Anderson:

Unlike 2007, when she made the charts with Good Love and Coming Over Tonight, the soul-reggae singer was quiet, recording-wise, last year. However, she was on the road for much of the year, opening shows in Australia and the United States for American punk/ska band, Slightly Stoopid and reggae-rockers, Spearhead.

Lady Saw:

They just cannot keep her out of the race. Arguably the most consistent performer in the dancehall, the bawdy Saw kept them honest with Sunday to Sunday and Your Man.

Tami Chynn:

Tami Chynn

Much was expected of this singer some years ago when she was signed to Atlantic Records. She came back with a bang in '08, thanks to her appearance on American singer Akon's hit song, Frozen, which reached number two on Billboard magazine's dance chart. Chynn also opened for the regrouped New Kids On The Block on their American tour.

Brick and Lace:

Still on the verge of the big time. The duo of sisters, Nyanda and Nailah Thorbourne maintained their popularity in Africa and Europe, where their songs Never Never, Love Is Wicked and Take Me Back made various charts. Signed to Akon's Kon Live Distribution and Geffen Records, Brick and Lace may just get the big breakthrough this year.