Connect with us

Music News

“Learn The Business behind the Music.” – Belmont Artiste to Entertainers.

Published

on

Approx. 3 min read

As the world turns, so do opportunities to deliver music to global audiences. This is the knowledge one entertainer has acquired over time, persistently and ambitiously honing his craft and building his arsenal of resources and knowledge. Kwesi Paul is the artiste known as Shottalinkz and while he’s yet to make a major breakthrough in the music business in Trinidad and Tobago, he has managed to successfully attain a VPAL music distribution deal and is focused on the lucrative possibilities that are available via music streaming. 

A father of two, the Cascade native who now resides in Belmont, is best known for his incredibly gifted touch on Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument, the steelpan. “I am a musician. I play the steelpan and I’ve arranged for more than 17 steel orchestras in Trinidad and Tobago,” he revealed. He highlighted career highpoints, among them, working alongside the late St. Lucian Nobel Prize winner, Sir Derek Walcott. “I worked with Sir Walcott in 2005 on a play called, ‘Steel.’ I was the Musical Director for Desperados Steel Orchestra, which was a part of the play,” he said. Added to that, the father of two recalls working with Machel Montano and Sharlon Bailey- the son of the Mighty Shadow, among others. “Most recently, I worked with an artiste by the name of Tension. He is the brother of Kernal Roberts. I produced his first Soca track. 

Paul says he knows his ability to easily deliver on the steelpan, is his gift, something passed on from his father. In 2020, having been exposed to vocal production and benefitting from production training, he expanded his vision and built a home studio, where he would go on to produce music for artistes locally and internationally. It was during that time that he began his vocal journey, exposing himself to yet another area of music that called out to him.

At his very own KSP Studios in Belmont, Paul has successfully produced songs for artistes in Ghana, Canada, Germany and even France. In 2023, he released two Soca singles, ‘Mash Up De Party,’ and a collaboration with an artiste called, ‘Mad Dog Fresh,’- that track is entitled, ‘Mud, Oil and Powder.’ 

Paul says he is without management at this time, and understands the importance that this portfolio holds. “I am self- motivated and I’m inspired by my children, but I do understand the importance of a good manager. It is a difficult task to do it all on your own.” 

Certainly not an artiste who boxes himself into any one genre, Paul says he is capable of singing RnB, Hip Hop and Dancehall. He will however deliver two new Soca tracks for Carnival 2024. “I’ve released ‘Big and Serious’ – a Power Soca track produced by Level High Studios and I’ve written and produced a Groovy Soca track called, “What Ah Want.” He says these are the songs he will contribute to the carnival season. 

No matter how the wind blows, Paul says he believes knowledge on the business of music, is imperative to any artiste’s growth in the sector. “From the very beginning, my plan has always been to build an international audience. A lot of artistes like me suffer from a lack of support from the local radio stations. People do not get an opportunity to hear our music and absorb it. I’m focused more on the streaming services internationally to get my music heard, and I believe it will be beneficial to me.” 

He says that while he knows things happen differently for people, he knows music is his calling and he will do what is necessary to share his sound with the world. “You have to have information and some kind of insight about what the industry is about. When you find out and become knowledgeable on it, you understand how to operate in it,” he explained.  

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Music News

Sport Anchor and Artiste, James Saunders Turns Focus to Men’s Mental Health in New Song.

Published

on

By

Approx. 3 min read

Wait, the sports guy sings?

It might be a complete surprise to see James Saunders on your television screen delivering the sports news and then hear his voice in song, on the radio. For the average fan who grew to love his bubbly personality as one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most popular sport anchors, the transition may feel sudden. The truth is, the Moruga-born media personality has been balancing both worlds for nearly two decades – it’s just that, finally, more people are catching on.

“Fake Energy,” a track released in June that recognised Men’s Mental Health, received a lot of love on social media and introduced him to a whole new audience. Speaking with Ebuzztt, the singer pointed out that very rarely are men asked, “How are you… really?” He hopes his new single helps create space for genuine vulnerability, and aids in changing the narrative about what being “strong” really means.

“If we can make those conversations normal, we’ll save lives. We smile publicly while privately carrying disappointment, rejection, loneliness, or self-doubt. If this song gives someone permission to check on a friend, or realize they aren’t alone, then it’s already a success in my eyes,” he shared.

The lyrics hit home on a personal level; he has endured stretches of having to show up for work and family while masking private pain. “It reminds me that music is about more than just entertainment; it sparks the kind of dialogue people have been dodging for years, including me.”

Known by followers for his fire freestyling talent, the entertainer who goes by the sobriquet Jr. Dynamite traces his musical gift back to his late father who was a DJ. Growing up around his record collection exposed him to everything from reggae and dancehall to soul, gospel and calypso. He soon realised music was a tool to tell stories, create memories and bring people together. Today he lists Bunji Garlin, Tiko Angelos, and Vybz Kartel as his “lyrical heroes,” while crediting Papa San, Prodigal Son and Damian Marley for influencing him inspirationally. Over the years James has performed at The Pilgrimage (Trinidad’s biggest gospel festival), The Lime Tobago, and across the Caribbean including Barbados, Anguilla, Grenada, St. Vincent and Saint Martin. He’s also sung on stages as far as Canada and Brazil.

Juggling all of that has meant sleep often takes a backseat. The sacrifice, he says, feels worth it. “When you’re passionate about something, you make time for it. I never wanted to look back one day and wonder, ‘What if I had given my music a real chance?”

Guided by his Christian faith, he’s careful not to make his music feel like a lecture. He keeps it real; highlighting anxiety, disappointment, and relationships. Nothing is off limits. On the hardest day of their lives, he wants his listeners to press play and feel inspired, believing that “tomorrow can be better.”

Never one to sit still, James, who has penned more songs than he could recall during this interview, is already putting the finishing touches on his new project, an EP due to drop later this year. He calls it his most personal body of work: a collection of melodic stories tackling purpose, perseverance, faith, and identity meant to make you reflect and even shed some tears. “There are songs that will remind you that no matter what life throws at you, there is always hope on the other side.” 

When he looks back at his journey, he is proud to have had the courage to pursue his passions despite the setbacks and the naysayers. He even teased that a few international collabs are coming soon. “I don’t want to say too much on that right now,” he said. “I knew this was bigger than a hobby when I found myself writing songs to process life’s experiences and encourage people. Music isn’t just something I do, it is part of who I am.”

Want more? Check out his brand new love release titled “You & Me.”

WriterCherisse Moe

Continue Reading

Music News

Grammy Award Winning, Morgan Heritage Salutes Jamaica with First Release Since Losing Peetah Morgan.

Published

on

By

Approx. 2 min read

Grammy Award-winning reggae band Morgan Heritage returns with “Come Feel The Love,” an uplifting new single written and produced by nine-time Grammy Award-winning artist, producer, and songwriter Stephen Marley.

Released on July 10th through Ghetto Youths International, the song serves as a vibrant musical invitation to experience Jamaica through its people, culture, landscapes, and unmistakable spirit. According to a media release the song celebrates the essence of Jamaica through authentic storytelling, using the universal language of reggae to capture the island’s warmth, resilience, beauty, and enduring sense of community.

Led by the unmistakable voices of Gramps Morgan and Mojo Morgan, the single paints vivid images of Jamaica’s natural beauty, from the iconic lignum vitae and soursop trees to Negril’s coastline, Lovers’ Leap, and the communities where generations have shaped one of the world’s most influential musical cultures.

Complementing the song is a visually stunning official music video produced by Filmaica and directed by Fernando Hevia. Filmed entirely on location throughout Jamaica, the visual showcases many of the island’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural landmarks. Gramps Morgan’s performance scenes were captured in Negril and at the iconic Lovers’ Leap in St. Elizabeth, both destinations referenced in the lyrics, bringing an added level of authenticity and emotional connection, while celebrating the beauty and diversity of Jamaica.

Built around the infectious refrain, “Come Feel The Love,” the record embodies Jamaica as more than a destination – it is a feeling rooted in family, music, community, and connection.

Celebrating Home.

“Come Feel The Love” marks Morgan Heritage’s first newly recorded release since the ascension of one of its founding members, Peetah Morgan, opening a new chapter for one of reggae’s most celebrated groups while honoring the legacy he helped build. The single reflects the band’s enduring commitment to carrying its message of unity, love, and cultural pride to audiences around the world.

Jamaica has given us so much, our identity, our music, our culture, and our purpose,” said Gramps Morgan. “This song celebrates everything we love about home and invites the world to experience the same warmth and inspiration that continues to shape who we are.”

Mojo Morgan added, “Reggae has always connected people across cultures and generations. ‘Come Feel The Love’ reminds us that Jamaica’s greatest gift isn’t just its beauty, it’s the love, unity, and positive spirit that people feel the moment they arrive.”

The record seamlessly blends Morgan Heritage’s signature harmonies with Stephen Marley’s timeless production, creating a contemporary roots,reggae anthem that honors Jamaica’s traditions while introducing its story to a new generation of listeners.

As one of reggae’s most celebrated families, Morgan Heritage has spent decades carrying Jamaican music to audiences around the world, earning a Grammy Award and building a legacy of socially conscious, spiritually uplifting recordings. Their collaboration with Stephen Marley, one of reggae’s most accomplished artists and producers, brings together two of Jamaica’s most influential musical legacies in a powerful celebration of the island, its people, and its culture.

More than the release of a new single, “Come Feel The Love” represents the beginning of Morgan Heritage’s next chapter, one rooted in the same values that have defined the band for generations while embracing a renewed purpose. As they honor Peetah Morgan’s enduring legacy, the group continues its mission of celebrating Jamaica through music and spreading love, unity, hope, and positivity to audiences around the world.

“Come Feel the Love” is available now on all major digital streaming platforms.

Continue Reading

Trending

error: This content is protected. if you wish to use this content in anyway please contact us.