Kaili McDonnough, Staff Reporterider range of professional opportunities up north, chose to transfer to a university there. Looking into several programmes throughout the north east, he chose to wrap up his studies at the historically black Howard University in Washington, D.C.
When he was younger, Cezar always knew that he was gifted in creative ways as he had the talent to draw as well as sing. On having to decide a specific educational path, Cezar figured that he might as well study Architecture as he had "this innate talent for drawing and conceptualising images." In May 2001, 'Cez' graduated from Howard University cum laude with a Bachelor of Architecture degree.
Upon graduation, Cezar was offered employment by one of the top firms in the field, Clark Construction. Clark Construction is the largest privately-owned constructioncompany in the United States with its head office located in Washington. Working at Clark enabled Cezar to be staffed
on several different projects, his most gruelling being the
construction of the New Washington Convention Centre.
CHEATING HIMSELF OF HIS TALENT
Although the job provided a great deal of personal
gratification and satisfaction, especially towards the end of a project, Cez had a nagging feeling that he "was cheating
himself of his talent." In the back of his mind, he knew that he wanted to pursue music on a full-time basis; however, "architecture was practical and paid the bills." For a few months, he kept bouncing back and forth with the idea of quitting his job and relocating to Jamaica to act out his fantasy. His girlfriend, Nikki, an actress in London was the person to give him that final push to follow his dreams. This push led Cezar to board an Air Jamaica flight en route to Kingston to play music.
These days you can catch the neo-soul artist, performing at gigs around Kingston. Although not currently affiliated with a specific band, he often trails with the New Age reggae band 'Roots Underground'. Cezar describes his breed of music as being 'Reggae Fusion' as it is an eclectic mix of reggae with dancehall and dub influences, hip hop, R&B and alternative rhythms. "The record contract is the next step," he outlined. With the explosion of reggae music on the international scene, Cezar says, "There is a new viability in music. Young artistes feel as if you make music, there will be an ability to cross the borders and go beyond Jamaica." Sean Paul's recent success on the international front is inspiring to Cezar as he feels that "Sean has got the world to again listen to what is coming out of Jamaica. Sean is not the first person to do this, but he is the leader of the resurging interest in reggae."
