Roxroy McLean, Gleaner Intern

Brown

With his song, Gun Tree, getting favourable airplay, go-getter Kwesi 'Billy' Brown is basking in the success of his latest studio effort, which was recorded seven years after he entered the music business.

The track is a social commentary speaking to the terrible effects of a society that lives by the gun.

Brown, who has from a musical background, told The Gleaner he inherited his love for music from his father. He said he was enjoying his belated breakthrough and is hoping for bigger and better things in the future.

music in the blood

"My dad is a musician ... he sings, and plays the guitar and drum, so I guess that is where I get the love for music," said Brown, who grew up in Lyssons, St Thomas.

He continued, "I get my inspiration from my father and everything in life, because he (father) did not fulfil his potentials. I decided as a teenager that I would make sure I reach my full potential in music."

Brown, 23, grew up with his mother, Jestina Campbell, and four siblings. He was regarded an undisciplined child and was transferred from Morant Bay High School to Prospect College (a boot camp-type facility) on the border of St Mary and St Ann.

Despite the setbacks, Brown said he never lost sight of his goals in music.

"With all those jobs and other things I was always doing music ... so music is my passion. It is not just words and rhythm, it's food for life. It covers the issues people face daily," said the vocalist.

exposure

He pointed out, "Leaving Morant Bay High School to Prospect College was an advantage for me. I developed a sense of discipline cause there was no mommy to go home to. I was exposed to information technology, music and general knowledge, and that played an important role in my life."

His song, Gun Tree, was produced by Michael Anthony Garricks from Global Eyes Music in Spanish Town, where he now resides. It is one of three songs that he has released. Betta Day and Stop Di Murda are the other two songs, which, according to Brown, have been getting great response from members of his community.

"The people are loving the music. They are also demanding more songs, because as soon as they hear my songs them draw to it," said the singer, who gathers inspiration from Sizzla Kalonji.