About Dorenda Wynnette

Dorenda Wynnette Madkins is an American singer, songwriter, author, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. Madkins interest in music started in church. She was in the church choir as a child and joined the school choir in both middle and high school. She also studied drama in high school due to her love for performing arts. In her early 20's, she began writing and singing her own music under the stage name "Karmen". After developing a small fan base, her songs began to soar on the independent charts. "My Bedroom" and "Can't Let You Go" were two of her most popular songs. Her success on the charts led to collaborations with independent artists in the U.S., Canada, Jamaica and other countries. As her popularity grew, Madkins was offered a recording contract as the main act for a popular independent record label, but she ultimately turned down the offer because she did not like the genre of music the labels producer wanted her to sing. Personal situations in her life at the time also factored into her decision. She went on to be offered other recording contracts from various record labels, but wanted to focus on her writing career instead.

Madkins has been interviewed by & received airplay on numerous radio stations. In 2013, Grammy-winning Jamaican bassist Donald “Danny Bassie” Dennis, who in 2022 earned a platinum certification for his work on Drake’s 2016 song “Controlla” discovered Madkins music on a popular music platform. He contacted and complimented Madkins, which afterwards mentioned her to a Maryland-based radio station. The radio station reviewed her music and was also impressed, so proceeded to contact Madkins for a live interview and to play her popular song at the time, “Won’t Give Up”. The radio director was also impressed with Madkins work as a writer, and offered her a radio show after the live interview was over.

After a long hiatus from the music industry, Madkins released new music in 2022. Her new music almost immediately captured the attention of multiple record labels. Madkins is anticipating the release of her upcoming EP via her contract with international New York based record label Bentley Records. The EP includes a collaboration with Grammy-winning singer and songwriter, Carlos Battey who is known musically as Jackie's Boy. Madkins is also anticipating the release of a collaboration with superstar and Grammy-winning artist Lil Wayne under her contract with Bentley Records. Expect an array of new music in 2025!