SPENDING most of her young years a short distance from where two teens were recently gunned down in Birmingham, rising R 'n' B talent Zena knows more than most about such harsh realities.

Underlining this, the former Mis-teeq singer is backing the Stop The Violence campaign through the Blues and Soul Tour - featuring some of urban music's biggest names.

Narrowly missing out on fame first time around after a year spent with her now famous original group, she has battled back from scratch to earn a top deal in her own right.

Speaking to The Herald, she enthused about her debut album, the prospect of singing alongside the likes of So Solid Crew's Lisa Maffia and Shola Ama at Guildford University, and life as a solo artist.

Down to earth yet full of confidence, she certainly didn't sound at all nervous about the upcoming shows: "I was unable to do last October's Blues and Soul tour as I was recording my album in America, so I'm doubly excited about this one. We had the photo shoot for it about four weeks ago now, and it will be so much fun being on tour with different types of music coming together."

A strong message is being sent out by artists on the tour that street violence cannot be tolerated. Zena, 21, felt celebrities and musicians can make a difference in sending out a positive message to young people on the issue.

"It is very unfortunate that some urban music acts are used as scapegoats. People need to be made aware there are shootings going on - these things need to be addressed, but it is nothing to do with the music. In urban communities there is a lack of resources and nothing for people to do. Those who are on the streets are influenced by what goes on there.

"I have two sisters age 16 and 19 who live near where the incident at New Year happened and I am so worried when they go out to parties. But that sort of thing has been going on for years in Birmingham."

Creative from an early age, she started off writing and recording songs on a worn-out tape recorder at home and playing them to the family. Also something of a dancer, she took up tap and ballet, later joining a backing troupe for singer Beverley Knight.

Excited about the release of her debut single, Let's Get This Party Started, she believed her rollercoaster story is proof to other aspiring young singers that determination pays off.

"The way my life has gone since leaving Birmingham, I definitely believe in fate and destiny. I woke up one day and I said I am moving to London. I didn't have anywhere to live and just applied for a job while applying for music auditions through The Stage.

"I had a gut feeling everything was going to be OK and knew I was going to achieve what I was going to do. You have to believe in yourself."

Admitting she had some good fun with the girls from Mis-teeq during their first year together, she became increasingly aware of the need to do her own music. A tough decision was made to drop out as they released their first single, but she has no regrets.

Opportunity rarely knocks twice, so she felt extremely lucky when she was subsequently snapped up for a solo deal.

With barely enough time to draw breath, an "unreal experience" followed in the US, receiving star hospitality from Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown.

"Bobby was so funny, all the bad press about him is unfair - he's a great guy. Whitney came down to our studio and loved a ballad I had been recording, Been Around The World and told me I was going to be a star. I couldn't believe it, I was straight on the phone to my mum!"

Back to reality in London, she said her family and friends have all been fantastically supportive in her bid for stardom, which has made a real difference.

Away from music, she confesses to being "really boring," having become a gym fanatic. But like any girl of her age, she enjoys to party when she can and socialising is definitely on the menu.

Preparing for the new tour, she is feeling psyched up for what is anticipated to prove a memorable event.

"I just want to put on a big show," she enthused. With such an attitude, there seems little standing in her way.

l The Blues and Soul Tour featuring other hot R 'n' B artists including Fallacy, of Roni Size fame, and Harry Brooks, who wrote Blue's last hit, calls at Surrey University on May 14