Swade is smooth

Swade

AT FIRST glance, one would think that Swade's musical ambitions would revolve around the 'alternative' music scene. But the Wolmerian is all about the dancehall.

"Across the country, dancehall has the largest audience and I want to be heard," he told The Gleaner. It's been 10 years since he embarked on a career in music and today, although success has been limited, he is preparing himself for a longer journey. His recent link with producer Arif Cooper of Fresh Ear Productions is taking him in the direction he wants to go. A CD is in the making and the demo is sout with five tracks which define the character of the singer.

While he's into making music, he's also very cognisant of the things that are happening around him. He hails the government's recent initiative to allow musical instruments into the island duty free.

"It took a long time in coming, but it is totally essential. This will help a lot of growing musicians to further develop their talents. But more needs to be done," he added.

He has called for a greater involvement of music in the curriculum of schools.

"When I was in fifth form at Wolmers they cut music from the curriculum. If we are to advance as a music power, we need to be teaching real music at both the secondary and tertiary levels. Notwithstanding all the sunny beaches and the industries, reggae music is Jamaica's greatest asset. We should be structuring it in such a way that more poor people benefit from it," he said.

Swade also feels that the Night Noise Abatement Act has negatively affected the music industry, as it has caused the dancehall business to contract severely.

"If we think in terms of economics, a lot of people have been adversely affected. Break it down and we see the terrible damage that has been done," he said.

Swade's debut CD should be out soon and among the tracks to watch are Sunshine and Temptation Next Door. Some of dancehall's best producers have been eyeing him, among them King Jammy's who is undertaking a project with the smooth singer.

Swade plans to learn to play the saxophone and the trumpet.

­ Andrew Clunis

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