Roxroy McLean, Gleaner Intern

Winsome Benjamin (left) and Dwight Richards at Benjamin's album launch at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Wednesday

Reggae singer Winsome Benjamin received overwhelming support at her album launch held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, on Wednesday, leaving the songstress at a loss for words.

"It's unbelievable. I really can't believe the support that I got," she said. "I gave the information to Headline Entertainment to coordinate and everyone that I wanted to be there was present."

She continued: "It is a long time coming because I started working on this album in 1995, and the song True Love was written from a personal experience."

The album - Where Birds Can't Fly - was produced by Defi Jones, Alex Martin-Blankin and Benjamin. It is the first album that the Let's Stay Together singer has released since her entry into the music business over 10 years ago.

Benjamin, who lives in Kingston, told The Gleaner she sets high standards for herself and hopes her determination will create bigger and better things in the future.

"Have you ever heard about vintage artistes? That is what I want to be remembered as (in) the next 20 years - not just pop on and hop off. That is why I do these type of songs," said Benjamin, adding "there is probably one song, Hot Love, that would be for the younger generation."

Stellar performance

At the album launch, patrons were treated to a stellar performance from Benjamin, whose free-flowing, harmonious voice seemed to resonate sweetly through the ears of the welcoming audience.

"I just want to thank each of you for coming out here tonight. Without you, this could not be possible. I want you to know that this is a product of hard work. Sometimes ,I only sleep for 20 minutes and (I'm) back at it again," Benjamin pointed out.

The songs - Knocking On Heaven's Door and The Way We Were - got the audience in a frenzy, as they sang and clapped along with the singer. Dwight Pinkney and his D.P. Band chipped in nicely with some positive beats.

"Go Winsome, you are doing just fine ... never stop try, you hear me," shouted a patron, as Benjamin closed her performance.

The show ended in fine style and Benjamin, who was swarmed by fans eagerly waiting to get their albums signed, used the occasion to give words of encouragement to her supporters and persons pursuing their dreams.

"What I say to people is keep your dreams alive and never let them die," she encouraged. "It is something that comes from deep within you. So never give up on you - the day you give up on yourself, is the day you give up on your dream."

Donte Quarrie joins mother Winsome Benjamin onstage at Benjamin's album launch on Wednesday.