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When Jeanette J Tolmay joined the police force in 1990, she never imagined that she would be where she is today. In 1995 JJ decided she had enough of being a drill and PT instructor and joined the South African Police Service Light Music Unit.  14 years later, JJ has recorded her first county album, How You Live as a solo artist. In addition to this, Brettian Productions will be releasing a double CD, Forgive. The album includes one CD with the tracks from How You Live  and a second disc with 10 mainstream tracks, including the songs Jesus and Gravity, How You Live, Train Without A Whistle, Forgive and Ten Thousand Angels.

There is no doubt in JJ's mind that it is her calling to sing country and gospel music. When asked who inspired her to sing, she answers without hesitation, her mother. "She told me never to give up on my dreams and to live life to the fullest.  It's because of my mother that I became a singer, and although she died 11 years ago, she is with me every day. The first meeting I had with Danny and John from Brettian was on her birthday, and that day, my dreams came true."

JJ hopes to reach audiences across the board with her music, but most importantly, she wants to reach people who have lost their faith in God and themselves. "I want my music to inspire people and bring them closer to God. I think we all need something in our lives today to hold on to and make you positive about yourself and your life." Language doesn't matter to JJ; she sings in English, Afrikaans; and even performs one song in Xhosa. "As long as the lyrics give a good, solid message, that's all that matters."

JJ has travelled to Germany and Spain with her position as Inspector and Chief Musician in the SAPS, but maintains that there is no place like home. Nashville is right on the top of her places to perform in. Artists who have inspired JJ include Tina Turner, Bonnie Tyler, Elkie Brooks, Bet Middler and Amy Grant. Some of the local artists that JJ has done studio work for include Dozi and Blackie Swart and she has also worked with Dennis East and Bobby Louw. 

Although she is based in Centurion, JJ has traveled across the country with the Light Music Unit, performing at Embassies, corporate functions, old age homes, churches, medal parades, aids awareness campaigns, schools, widows and orphans fundraisers, women's network campaigns and many more events. The band also appeared on the popular TV series, 7de Laan.

Family plays a very important role in JJ's life. She lives with her husband and two very naughty Scottish Terriers and enjoys reading crime novels. Her motto that keeps her going in life is as follows: "You become what you believe, live everyday like it's your last and with God, everything is possible."

Look out for JJ's double release of How You Live and Forgive, in stores 1st May 2009.