Copper Cat By Andrew Clunis,
Freelance Writer
DON'T EXPECT to hear the high-pitched juvenile voice when Copper Cat takes the stage these days. He's traded that in for a baritone, a symbol of his development from kindergarten to adolescence. Born Demar Graham, 13-year-old Copper Cat is the young DJ who Richie Stephens took under his wings several years ago.
Originally from Westmoreland, the same parish as his mentor and guardian Stephens, he captured the imagination of the entertainment world with his remarkable ability to DJ and with songs like Go To School he set about creating a name for himself. Jamaica got used to his high-pitched vocals and the young man from Westmoreland became something of a child star.
Today Copper Cat has greater challenges. He has to balance high school with his DJ career and from all indications, although he wants a professional career in music, it's the education that matters most to him now. Having passed his GSAT exams at Stella Maris, he is now a first form student at the Jamaica College. He says he and his first year friends have made a pact to 'rebuild' JC.
"We want this to be the school of first choice again. In recent times there have been some negative things clouding the school, some untrue, and our aim to build back the reputation of this institution. The school has to regain its glory. When we look at the history in terms of Manning Cup and Champs, we see that all the bad vibes must go," he said.
Copper Cat is the student counsellor for his class and he's also captain of his form's inter-form school's challenge quiz team. His form 1F will play off against 1C in the upcoming finals. "I hope to represent JC in the real thing one day," he said.
Despite his focus on school work, he takes time to entertain his friends. "They beat the desks sometimes and I DJ for them. Big up to the drummer Troy Banton", he said.
Copper Cat is cognisant of the importance of education to a successful music career. "If you want to become a wicked musician, you have to focus on school work.. That is what will give you the advantage," he said.
The young man said he has been taking a different approach to writing his lyrics as he has a wider range of issues to deal with now. His most recent song suggests that he's maturing It is entitled This Ya One A Nuh Puppy Love.
