Her Story
From the streets of Trench Town to stages across three continents — the life of Kamarla Pitter.
“People see the music, but they don’t always see the struggle behind it. This book is my truth — my journey, my sacrifices and my growth.”
— Queen Kamarla
Kamarla Pitter
Born Kamarla Pitter on July 9, 1983, the woman the world now calls Queen Kamarla — and fittingly, Platinum Sheriff — came up the hard way. Her mother, Carmen “Ms. Rose” Rainford, took her children out of an abusive home and raised them in Trench Town, the very soil that grew Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer.
Poverty forced her out of school after ninth grade. She became a mother at fifteen. But the music in her never quieted. Inspired by Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, and most deeply by Garnet Silk — whom she still calls her musical mentor — she sharpened her craft on school stages, then alongside reggae greats Sugar Minott and Horace Andy.
Out of those sessions came her own imprint, Catalyst Entertainment Group — a launchpad for rising artists from the same streets that raised her. From Sting 2012 to Peter Tosh and Bob Marley anniversaries, from Ghetto Splash to Sun City Summer Jam, she earned her crown the hard way: one decision, one song, one stage at a time.
Today she is not just an artist. She is an author — her memoir The Story of My Life Journey published in 2026. She is a humanitarian — her Stop the Crime & Violence initiative having reached 36+ communities across Jamaica, the USA, and South Africa.
A Life Timeline
Born in Kingston
Kamarla Pitter is born on July 9, 1983, to Carmen "Ms. Rose" Rainford and Francisco Pitter in Portmore, Jamaica. After leaving an abusive home, her mother raises Kamarla and her siblings Steve Rainford and Marlon Grant in Trench Town — the very community that shaped Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer.
Finding the Music
Growing up in Arnett Gardens (known as "Jungle") — one of Kingston's most volatile inner-city communities — Kamarla discovers her voice on school stages. Inspired by Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, and most deeply by Garnet Silk, whom she calls her musical mentor, she begins sharpening her craft. Poverty forces her out of school after Grade 9.
Becoming a Mother
At fifteen, Kamarla becomes a mother to her children Octavia and Kevon. She also helps raise her niece Kelly-Ann. Far from derailing her dreams, caregiving deepens her commitment to music. She practices and refines her style of cultural reggae through every sacrifice.
Recording with Legends
Kamarla earns her place alongside Jamaica's greatest — recording sessions with legendary reggae artists Sugar Minott and Horace Andy. These formative experiences sharpen her artistic identity and lay the foundation for what becomes Catalyst Entertainment Group.
Debut Single
"Posing Thing" on the Deep Love Riddim (Chilla label) marks her official entry into Jamaica's competitive music market. The single establishes her presence on the dancehall and reggae circuit.
Catalyst Entertainment Group
Queen Kamarla founds Catalyst Entertainment Group — her own independent label and artist launchpad. She performs at the iconic Sting 2012, Peter Tosh Anniversary tributes, Bob Marley celebrations, Ghetto Splash, and Sun City Summer Jam. The stage becomes her pulpit.
"Hot Spot" Breakthrough
"Hot Spot" generates significant street buzz and earns airplay on HITZ FM and SunCity Radio across Jamaica. The success leads to a coveted slot at the Irie Jam Radio Labour Day Show at Roy Wilkins Park in New York — and multiple promoter offers in the Tri-State area.
Son's Illness & Resilience
Her son Kevon is hospitalized with acute pancreatitis, requiring surgery at the Cleveland Clinic and Bustamante Hospital for Children. Kamarla organizes fundraising concerts, rallying her artist community. Her son recovers. The experience deepens her resolve — and her humanitarian commitment.
Stop the Crime & Violence
Queen Kamarla launches the "Stop the Crime & Violence" concert series in Trench Town — using music as a vehicle of peace. The initiative tours 36+ inner-city Jamaican communities, bringing rival neighborhoods together under one stage, one rhythm.
Going International
The Stop the Crime & Violence initiative expands beyond Jamaica's borders — to the United States in 2021 and South Africa in 2022, taking her message of peace and resilience to three continents.
School Tour & Youth Focus
The initiative returns to Jamaica with a school-focused format, bringing the message to Portsmouth Primary School. "I'm tired of seeing all these videos floating around with children fighting in school. We have to save our children because they are the future."
Memoir & Debut Album
Queen Kamarla releases her memoir "The Story of My Life Journey: Sharing a Powerful Story of Resilience," covered by the Jamaica Observer. Her self-executive-produced debut album "Respect Me" — featuring I-Octane, Ginjah, Mikey General, Natty King, and Jigsy King — introduces the world to the full force of her artistry.