Jah Patriot

Williams, who is visually impaired, told The Gleaner recently that he is enjoying his belated breakthrough and is hoping for bigger things.

"In five years' time, definitely, I see myself reaching a wider scope of audience ... being able to go out there, whether it is shows, or sometimes guest spots on a different forum, you know ... speaking to people, motivate them," he said.

Goals in sight

Williams grew up in Runaway Bay, St Ann, with his parents and two siblings. At age 15, he went to the United States (US) and, after losing his sight at three years later, he enrolled in the New York Institute for The Blind.

Despite his impediment, he says he never lost sight of his goals.

"I entered music blind professionally ... I would also say music choose me, from ever since I have fallen in love with music," Williams said. "Every little thing about music draws my attention, its like book ... I would hear a song on the radio and study it."

Influences

One of his earliest recordings was Fuss And Fight, a collaboration with the legendary Dennis Brown. In 1999, he said he toured the US with the Crown Prince of Reggae.

While his influences include Brown, who died in 1999, Williams' biggest musical inspiration is Bob Marley. He is determined to maintain the standard both men set.

"First, I look up to myself ... because I have to know that my own standard means a lot to me," he said.

- Roxroy McLean

WITH HIS song, Looking For Love, getting favourable airplay, Denver 'Jah Patriot' Williams is basking in his most successful studio effort, which was recorded almost 10 years after he entered the music business.