Follow your dreams, says Mr Vegas

Vincentian artistes are being encouraged by renowned Dancehall-Reggae artiste Mr. Vegas not to give up on their dreams, even if there seems to be limited opportunities for a breakthrough for their careers.{{more}}

Fresh off the heels of releasing his new double album entitled ‘Sweet Jamaica’, Mr. Vegas says it has not been an easy journey for him during his fifteen-year career.

The new album features Mr. Vegas’ typically energetic Dancehall delivery on recent Dancehall hits, including the current dance-driven club banger ‘Bruk It Down’, the street anthem ‘Certain Law’, and ‘Beautiful Life’.

Born Clifford Smith on December 29, 1974, in Kingston, Jamaica, Mr. Vegas, in an exclusive interview with SEARCHLIGHT, said he started singing from an early age, mostly doing cover versions of popular R&B tracks, but he got his big break in 1997 with the release of “Nike Air” for producer Jeremy Harding on his Play Ground riddim.

Since then, the “Bruk it down” artiste says his career excelled until he got to the international level which has allowed him to travel and perform on some of the greatest stages around the World.

However, although many may say he has been successful over the years, the artiste says he is never satisfied with where he is in his career.

“I am always hungry for more,” Mr. Vegas said, adding that there are still greater accomplishments to be made.

“I am always in the studio working, and I’m always trying to find that next hit song,” he said.

He further disclosed that he is aware that the opportunities for Vincentian artistes may not be as abundant as the Jamaicans, but, nevertheless, local artistes need to continue to push their music.

According to Mr. Vegas, he has experienced a number of setbacks in his career, which on many occasions he has overcome.

“The setbacks and frustrations come along with the industry… Sometimes you just want to give up, but you have to press on in order to achieve that desired goal you have established for yourself,” he added.

Addressing the local artiste here, Mr. Vegas stressed that they must have a positive attitude and be committed to work hard and be able to make sacrifices.

“If you look at Kevin Lyttle, he is way up there with international names in the industry.

“So sometimes we have to make that sacrifice and make something new of ourselves, because a lot of the Caribbean countries are mostly soca music, and I think sometimes if persons just diverge from what they know traditionally, they could find success…”

Meanwhile, the two discs Sweet Jamaica Reggae and Sweet Jamaica Dancehall together feature over 30 tracks, including exclusive new material and some of Mr. Vegas’ recent smash singles. Sweet Jamaica Reggae is a fusion of Ska, Rocksteady, and foundation Reggae rhythms.

Known for melodious style of deejaying or rapping, Mr. Vegas abandons his usual ‘sing-jay’ mode and shows off his singing talent on remakes of Toots and the Maytals’ classic Sweet and Dandy, and Alton Ellis’ Rocksteady cover of Brenda Holloway’s You Make Me Happy.

The album was released in February, the month when Reggae is celebrated in Jamaica.

“Reggae is such an important part of what makes Jamaica unique, it is our signature sound, and Reggae is a key part of our culture and our Jamaican brand. Reggae figures like Bob Marley and Dennis Brown – who were both born in February – are important figures in music history in the United States and throughout the world,” Mr. Vegas further stated.

Sweet Jamaica’s lead single, aptly titled ‘Sweet Jamaica’, hit #1 on Reggae charts in Europe and the United States last year, while the video peaked at #1 on the MTV BASE Dancehall Video chart.

The album’s second release Certain Law also spent several weeks at #1 on the MTV BASE charts.

Teairra Mari, Shaggy, Luciano, Nadine Sutherland, and Jovi Rockwell are among the list of musical guests on Sweet Jamaica.

MOBO award-winning artist Mr. Vegas has been one of Jamaica’s leading international forces since his entry into the music industry in 1997.

Over the past 16 years, he has built an extensive catalogue which includes Billboard charting hits, Heads High and Pull Up and urban radio bangers, Tek Weh Yuhself, Hot Wuk and Gallis.

Sweet Jamaica is Mr. Vegas’ fifth studio album.