Kharuso - writing songs to uplift people

The Gleaner continues to acquaint our readers with the contestants in the Claro Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's Festival Song Competition. Have you met:

Kharuso

Song Title: My Jamaica

Kharuso, a native of St Ann, hails from a village called Mines district. Christened, Delisser McFarlane, he is a songwriter and singer who has been performing for many years.

In 1987, he recorded his first single, titled Watchin Me, which was soon followed by Sunshine.

Growing in confidence, Kharuso soon held down a job as lead singer at FDR Resort and Spa in 1999.

A seasoned performer, Kharuso has since been working the cabaret scene on the north coast where he honed his delivery skills. Those years paved the way for him to tour the Caribbean and Amsterdam. He has shared the stage with some of Jamaica's popular artistes such as Sizzla, Capleton, Jimmy and Tarrus Riley to name a few.

He is currently recording an album for Magnum Force Entertainment Record Company out of Florida and, in 2009, released a track, Inna di Garrison, which earned fair airplay. Kharuso said his music is spiritual. "I write my own songs and the social commentary in my music is to uplift people because I know righteousness exalts a nation".

Vote for your favourite festival song

The public may text or call 444-3270 to vote for their favourite festival song.

The number assignments are as follows:

Di Land We Love by Nikki Dillon - text - 1 to 444-3270

Welcome to Jamaica by Marvillus - text - 2 to 444-3270

Jamaica Deh Deh by bello - text - 3 to 444-3270

Zingy Zingy 2010 by Papa Whyte - text - 4 to 444-3270

Island in the Sun by Petrol - text - 5 to 444-3270

Jamaica Nice by Rock Irie— text - 6 to 444-3270

My Jamaica by Kharuso - text - 7 to 444-3270

Nuh Weh Nuh Betta by Deru- text - 8 to 444-3270

Reggae Music by Mojahrock - text - 9 to 444-3270

One Heart by Amique & Nazzle Man - text 10 - to 444-3270

Texts and calls Cost $20. Service is provided by CLARO and is available on all networks.

✓