DANCEHALL PERFORMER, Wayne Wonder, is back home after a sojourn in the United States.
It wasn't a holiday for the singer though, as he used the time to get his talents across to the mainstream music market. He had the opportunity to collaborate with a number of emerging hip hop and R&B stars, among them Jason from Soul 4 Real on the song, Always Around.
He also did a remake of his smash original hit, Saddest Day, which features urban sex bomb Foxy Brown. She will also appear on her next album. He also recorded with Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes of the group TLC, on her solo project and he recorded with DL for Warner Brothers as well.
The past few months have been very hectic for Wayne Wonder. In addition to all that, he recorded an album, Schizophrenic, which is slated for a summer release. The album was produced by US-based Platinum Recording Group and Jahmickey.
"I have managed to merge the sounds and formats. An incredible amount of respect is shown for my skills and I have found that my talent is well suited for the wider market. The experience has been great," he told The Gleaner.
Wayne Wonder had been in the United States since June of last year.
"I used the period to review many things. I had to look at things from a distance, be outside of Jamaica to evaluate what was really going on. I am really disappointed, because the DJs are just into cheap vulgarity. They have no clarity. The music is very unstable now and I think now is the right time for me to get back to the frontline," he said.
Most of his time has been spent in the studio since his return and he has singles to be released by King Jammys and John John. He has landed a new management contract since his return, with the experienced Paul Bankey Giscombe taking over the role of manager.
"This is a good time for me to get some of the things I didn't get in terms of musical success. I have known Bankey for a very long time and I am sure that he will do a good job," said the Camperdown High School graduate.
One of his primary goals now is to encourage more youth into singing.
"There seems to be a resurgence of vocalists. If we can put as much energy behind the singers as the DJs we would restore a lot of musical pride," he said.
Wayne began recording in the mid-1980s for the late King Tubbys, but his initial taste of success came in 1988 when he recorded It's Over Now. He says despite his success, the younger artistes should view him the way they always have. "It's just the same old Wayne Wonder. I am back now and there is no ego and no hype. I am here to lyme and vibe with the youth as usual offer my experience to those who need it."
He is expected to resume productions on his Singso Records label as well.
Andrew Clunis
