Christopher Williams breaks shackles of depressed Norwich community

Norwich, East Portland:

Despite growing up in one of the most depressed communities in Portland, 34-year-old Christopher Ricardo Williams, who is better known as ‘Bigga 5’, has miraculously excelled as a result of his musical talent.

Williams, who recounted that while most boys from his community were actively engaged in the practice of praedial larceny and other crimes in order to make a living, he chose to attend school full time so that he could secure a well-rounded education which he felt would make his journey towards success a lot easier.

“I attended Titchfield High School and, even though I was born in Norwich, a community known for its stigma, wherein boys raided fruit trees morning, noon, and night, it was just school for me,” he said.

“My mother, Aldene Williams, worked tirelessly as a vendor at Norwich Primary and sent me and my brothers to school. On the other hand, my father, Wayne Williams, was very supportive towards me, so I was never hungry. During my growing up, at age 13 years, and even before, I would see some children being left with a neighbour or a friend, but that was not the case for me. I was surrounded by love and my mom and dad were passionate about me getting an education.

“So, at age 13 years old, while attending Titchfield High, I realised that I had a natural talent where music is concerned. I was never an unruly child and I am very proud of how I was brought up. The basic morals and courtesy of saying ‘good morning’, ‘thank you’, and ‘how are you’ were instilled in me. When I had to travel on a bus back then, whenever an old lady or a pregnant woman entered the bus, I was the first one to give up my seat,” he added.

FULL BLESSING

According to Williams, it was never in him to disrespect anyone, as he was raised properly, even though the community of Norwich was notorious. And, after leaving high school, Williams explained that his father gave him his full blessing to pursue music, as word spread like wildfire about his skills in operating a sound system.

One of Williams’ biggest supporters is popular Portland businessman Patrick Cooper, who spoke about not only his good manners, but also his ability to provide good and sound advice to younger persons, which he said is a positive sign and one that most young persons should seek to emulate.

Cooper, who pointed out that he enjoys music of all genres, especially retro music, heaped praise on Williams for what he described as his determination to rise and exceed all expectations, despite him living in one of the so-called lesser and more underdeveloped communities.

Additionally, Williams’s growth in music was bolstered by having spent time learning the music with Jermaine ‘Jagga’ Lindsay, who won the Heineken Green Synergy competition in 2009.

However, for Williams, who claimed that he has always believed in himself and was determine to do well, despite the odds, dreams can become reality, once one has the right mindset and remains focused.

“I was awarded by the Full Burst Promotions in St Mary for 20 years of providing quality music on May 10, 2025, with a plaque in recognition of my contribution. And that meant a lot to me. When I tell people that I am from Norwich, dem caan believe. It is said that di only good thing that comes from Norwich is breadfruit and ackee, and dem say di ackee a rotten. Despite the stigma attached to the Norwich community, something good or someone from there has defied the odds.

“My career as a disc jockey has brought me to Toronto and Brampton in Canada and also a nightclub in Panama. I am hoping to run my own business one of these days and my sights are set on providing stage and lighting for entertainment events.

“Poverty is not an excuse to turn to crime and today I have managed to open up a shop in my yard for my mother, but she still not leaving the school gate and her selling, which she does from Monday to Friday,” he said.

editorial@gleanerjm.com