Chris Gayle featured on reggae compilation album targeting Asia
Collaboration with singer Shav-A
Published:Tuesday | May 24, 2022 | 12:08 AMYasmine Peru/Senior Gleaner Writer
You can’t keep a good man down, especially if he’s a renowned batsman who has ventured into music and has chosen to go by the moniker, Universe Boss. As Chris Gayle, he is used to hitting big runs on the cricket pitch and, without missing a stride, his sojourn into music as a recording artiste has seen him smoothly hitting – not sixes – but number one on music charts.
The up-and-coming recording artiste, who can boast of having a song with 53 million views on YouTube, took over charts in Asia with Jamaica To India, a collaboration with Indian rap artiste Emiway Bantai. It was number one in India for more than a week and made dents in various charts across Asia. The Universe Boss was recently added to the Asian edition of the big-name, Billboard-hitting Tropical House Cruises to Jamaica series.
Executive producer of the project, Sean ‘Contractor’ Edwards, explained that the last project targeted Africa, and this time around, Asia is their focus, as well as the traditional reggae markets of Canada, England and America.
“We are targetting India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. We have Malaysian reggae star Sassi the Don and we have Chris Gayle, who, because of cricket, is a giant in all those countries. We have Jah Cure, Morgan Heritage, Capleton, Gentleman, as well as the big American rapper named Red Man, King Tiger and Alistar, and Jason Derulo, the big R&B star from America,” Edwards shared.
Gayle told The Gleaner that it is “a great feeling” and he is excited to be on an album alongside those big names. The song, titled Gimme Your Love, is a collaboration with newcomer Shav-A.
“When you look at the names associated with this project … and then you see Universe Boss added to this project, it’s a big win for me, especially for someone just crossing over into music as well. I cannot complain; all I can do is give thanks, and I am happy that I am associated with the Tropical House project. Yes! I am looking forward to it. This is a big step in my music career,” he said.
Gimme Your Love was produced by radio disc jock Gary G, who reached out to the artiste and he immediately responded.
“I didn’t hesitate one bit. I rounded up the Triple Century Records team – Camar Flava, Brisco and Lyrical – and then we put our lyrics together and we vibe it in the studio and record it. We sent it over and Gary G liked it, and the rest was history. It is a really good love song … give me your love, but when you get the love, I hope yuh can manage it?” asked Gayle, who admitted that he hasn’t met his collaborator, Shav-A, in person as yet.
Shavanique ‘Shav-A’ Allen, according to her bio, is a dynamic singer and songwriter whose father is veteran singer, Admiral Tibet. As a child, she took a keen interest in becoming a singer, and at the age of 10, with the full support of both her parents, Shav-A began singing in the church choir as well as at the many talent shows held in and around Portmore, St. Catherine where she grew up in Jamaica. After many years developing her craft, Shav-A along with two other siblings began touring with their father as backing vocalists. The experiences gained, and the thrill of performing to audiences in Jamaica and abroad opened her eyes to the fact that she truly wanted to pursue a solo career.
Gayle had strong words of encouragement for her.
“It’s a good look for both of us; two new up-and-coming artistes collaborating on something fantastic. I am sure it is a song that everybody will catch on to. Shav-A, big up yourself. We will connect one of the time. Keep doing what you are doing. Don’t stop pressing gas, Shav-A,” Gayle urged.