4Sure are a four membered band for sure made up of Andrew Fisher, Jermaine Sanderson, Donovan Bailey and Kriss Jones. Founded by Donovan some one year ago the group got together and have been performing at pubs and holiday parks across the country. Their name, 4Sure originates from their belief that their destiny is 'for sure'.
ANDREW is a 30 year old social worker from Wolverhampton where he was born. He has one sister and comes from a large family, being one of nine children. Andrew has two kids of his own: Daniel and Tyrell.
DONOVAN is a 38 year old IT consultant from Tipton in the West Midlands. He has five children with partner, Maureen: Alexis, André, Joshuam Jordan and Antonia.
JERMAINE is a 23 year old Day Centre worker also from Wolverhampton where he was born. He has two half-brothers and a step brother. Playing percussion fluently, Jermaine strives for a career in singing.
KRISS is a 24-year old singer from Bilston in the West Midlands. He was born in Wolverhampton and has two brothers and one sister. Kriss actually had a previous attempt at The X Factor appearing on its first run with band, Platinum.
Q&As
What would winning The X Factor mean to you all?
Winning The X Factor would be the culmination of years of hard work for 4Sure. Andrew explains, “I’ve been doing music for a while now and it’s hard to break into the music industry.” For Jermaine there’s a more personal reason. “If I made enough money and got far enough, it would mean my Mum would never have to work again. She’s got Lupus, a kidney disease. In the past I’ve said Mum, have my kidney but she refuses. I’d love to get her out of that situation so winning would mean so much to me.”
What would you buy if you won the show?
All of the boys would buy houses for themselves and their families. Kriss says “I’d probably go away on holiday and go on a mad shopping spree.” Keep fit addict Jermaine would also pay for a personal trainer!
What are you most looking forward to about moving to London?
Jermaine says “I’ve never been in this position before so I’m just wanting to enjoy every little bit of it – the press, the photoshoots.” But the boys know it’s all about hard work. “It’ll be great to work with a vocal coach and get into the studio” adds Donovan.
What will you miss from home?
Andrew will particularly miss his sons Tyrell and Daniel but all four will miss their families. Kriss says “My family and friends are so over the moon. They know how hard we’ve all tried over the years. They know the ups and downs that I’ve had over the past 10 years trying to make something of myself in music so they’re really supportive.”
What’s your biggest claim to fame prior to The X Factor?
Donovan has sung with Take 6 at a workshop in Birmingham. Andrew met Miss Dynamite, Chris Blackwood and Kelle Le Rock at a talent contest. But Jermaine wins the prize. “My Aunty is athlete Tessa Sanderson” he says with a smile.
What have been your best and worst jobs?
Jermaine has only ever done one job - an IT consultant - but doesn’t say if it was best or worst! Kriss used to be a door to door salesman which he made more interesting for himself by singing on people’s doorsteps. Andrew had a job he was particularly proud of. “I worked in a children’s home in Birmingham. I was working with one child and before he left he said that when he grew up he wanted to be like me. It made me so proud that I’d had some impact on him.”
What are your musical influences?
Andrew’s include Babyface. “I love old school singers like The Neptunes and Usher.” Kriss likes Motown, Boyz II Men, Stevie Wonder and Luther Vandross and Donovan says he’s also influenced by jazz.
What’s your favourite single or album?
Andrew’s is ‘My Cherie Amour’ by Stevie Wonder and Kanye West’s first album; Chris’s choice is ‘6, 8, 12’ by Brian McKnight and Boyz II Men’s ‘Cooley High Harmony’ as his album; Jermaine’s are ‘The Mis-education of Lauren Hill’ and ‘Leave Me Alone’ by Michael Jackson and Donovan says “my favourite album is ‘I Remember You’ by McKnight with ‘When I Remember You’, the title track is my favourite single.”
When did you realise you could sing?
Jermaine says “I’ve sung from a very early age in choirs and church. I didn’t necessarily want to be a singer in the early stages because I always wanted to be a fireman!” Donovan says “I realised I could sing when I was 13 and although I pursued my career in IT, I always wanted to sing for a living.” Andrew says “I always used to sing in choir – my voice broke in the middle of a song! I’ve tried to be realistic because no matter how good you are there is a chance you may not get what you want.”
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