St Croix reggae artiste ready to ‘Haile I’

St Croix-based reggae artiste Da Genaral is a big believer in using music as a revolutionary vehicle of change to improve the plight of the disenfranchised, the poor and the voiceless.

“I am a man who loves to speak for others who can’t speak their mind. They show me the vibes, and I take it in the message and then broadcast it in my own voice,” the singer shared.

During the COVID-19 pandemic when millions were on lockdown and all public gatherings were banned, Da Genaral has been kept writing new songs and freestyles, and promoting the new material by doing powerful live performances on his Facebook and Instagram pages to continue connecting with his growing fan base.

“I mostly just spit freestyles and introduce new songs to my fans. The work always continues; despite the pandemic, life goes on,” he said.

Over the years, he has built up a decent underground following in the reggae world in Europe and the US with singles such as the militant Haile I and the romantic She’s Calling ,which has a meticulous sonic layering which reggae lovers will adore. He released his first album, Chances Are, in 2010, a delightful collection of solid reggae songs which explored new sonic frontiers. He then toured several cities in the United States with his band to promote the set.

“Is a vibes when it comes to music, I don’t put pen to paper to create music. It all comes out naturally, I feel what I feel, I connect to the mystic and let the instruments talk through me,” he said.

Now, after further fine-tuning his sound, Da Genaral is ready to release his much-anticipated sophomore album. Titled Speak for Itself, it is said to be “a message-filled work of art that intertwines songs that are a devout expression of his Rastafarian faith, and tracks that mesmerise with stark social commentary about poverty and injustice”. The new album includes a re-release of the popular Haile I with a video that has been added to rotation on several cable channels, such as HYPE, RE and FLOW TV.

INSPIRATIONS

“The songs are inspired by the loves of my life: my wife, my family and the rich tradition of black music that has made me the artiste I am. This album is a celebration of love, joy, Rastafarianism, hope, militancy and resilience, the things that make the St Croix culture so beautiful and influential,” the father of five said. Da Genaral comes from a line of reggae artistes from the US Virgin Islands that includes the legendary Midnite, Pressure Buss Pipe, Dezarie and Reemah. He lists his musical influences as Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Sly and Robbie, and the Wailers.

The artiste, whose real name is Roberto Encarnacion Jr, was born and raised in the US Virgin Islands (St Croix) where, as a youngster, he earned the name Da General from his peers, because of the air of confidence he always radiated. He is managed by long-time manager-producer Ras Sagie of Non-Stop PDM Enterprise LLC, and his team includes original beatmaker Skimo, manager Empress Maxine and Magician Beats from St Kitts.