5 Questions With ... Sean Paul
Published:Friday | December 15, 2023 | 12:13 AM
Sean Paul Ryan Francis Henriques released his first album, Stage One, in 2000, however, it was in 2002 that he shot to international stardom after releasing album Dutty Rock, an album hailed as “a game changer”. He enjoyed his breakthrough with Gimme The Light, the first single from Dutty Rock, which peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Dutty Rock won the Best Reggae Album at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards in 2004 while the song Get Busy was also nominated for Best Male Rap Solo Performance in that year. Sean Paul’s hard work and dedication over the years have earned him several awards and have seen him in demand for collaborations with global music stars. He has sold more than 26 million records worldwide and won numerous awards, including a Grammy, a Brit Award and an MTV Video Music Award.
Sean Paul, who is always flying the dancehall/reggae flag high, was present at the 30th annual Billboard Latin Music Awards on Thursday, October 5, at the Watsco Centre in Miami, Florida, where he was nominated for his first-ever Billboard Latin Music Award in the category Crossover Artiste of the Year. Karmika, his collaboration with Karol G and Bad Gyal, is featured on Karol G’s multiplatinum-selling album Manana Sera Bonito, which won the awards for Top Latin Album of the Year and Latin Rhythm Album of the Year.
In November, Sean Paul took to social media to excitedly share his numbers from Spotify for the year.
“Yooo! Over a billion plays in a year is massive!!! Give tanxx 2 all the amazin’ fans playing my music this year and forever. Let’s keep spreading #Dancehall across the globe,” he posted, alongside the Spotify Wrapped picture whichthated his 1.2 billion streams from 123 million listeners in 184 countries across the globe.
With a successful 2023 coming to an end, the all-season, Summa Hot Sean Paul is not sitting on his laurels.
“Ending 2023 strong!!! Terminator remix wid @iamkingpromise N @tiwasavage out now!!” he shared.
King Promise is described as “a highly talented Ghanaian highlife and Afrobeats singer and songwriter”, while Tiwa Savage is a widely recognized Nigerian female music star and songwriter.
Terminator is predicted to be a “blockbuster”.
The Get Busy artiste is undeniably busy, but 5 Questions With ... managed to link with him for a few questions in the spirit of the Yuletide season.
1. What do you look forward to most at Christmastime?
Sorrell ... that’s my thing.
2. Can you share a memorable Christmas moment that stands out for you.
(Laughs heartily) The Christmas dinner (laughs again) Yeah ... that’s it ... I love it.
3. Is there a Christmas song or movie that is special to you?
Pa rum pum pum pum [ Little Drummer Boy] Yeah ... cause mi like the drum ... big song. I like the melody of that song.
4. Do you have a charity - music related or otherwise - that you will be suppporting this year in a special way?
Yes, I do have a special charity. Food For the Poor has a music programme that I am supporing this year for kids. And also I do support Alpha Boys Schoool. I am doing something for both of them this year. Alpha Boys’ School started a big music programme in Jamaica in the school ... it is a legendary place, and a lot of great artistes come from there, so I try to support them as I can.
5. What is the best Christmas gift you have ever received?
(Laughs again) I don’t know. Honestly, I don’t remember.
BRAWTA:
Complete the first verse of this Stevie Wonder song Someday at Christmas
(Sings the song with gusto) Someday at Christmas ... I don’t remember (laughs).