David M pays homage to black leaders

Hasani Walters, Gleaner Writer

With a recent Black Enterprise Magazine article, and a feature of his video, Lest We Forget, on BET last Sunday, David Minott who goes by the stage name David M, is currently making headway on the international music scene.

His career has endured numerous setbacks, none of which have deterred him from trying to become an internationally recognised recording artiste.

Starting out on the piano at age six, he spent most of his childhood singing and playing in front of live audiences.

It wasn't long before his love for playing and singing led him to write and produce his own songs. However, his plan to pursue music as a career would have to wait until he completed studies at the Norman Manley Law School.

Shortly after finishing law school, David's father passed away and the singer-turned-lawyer shifted gears and took over the reigns of his family's waste disposal and janitorial business.

Once again, music had to take a back seat, much to David's disappointment.

"It was frustrating to again put my musical career on hold, but it was a necessary commitment to my family and our business," he said.

In the early '90s, David hooked up with Anchor Recordings' Augustus Clarke. While with Clarke, David wrote songs for top reggae acts such as Gregory Isaacs, Freddie McGregor, Coco Tea, and JC Lodge. However, after a few years of penning hits, he once again abandoned music to take on the matters of the family business.

Detours

"My life has taken many twists and turns, but music has always been my passion. No matter how many detours my life has taken, music has always been there. It has always been that special place that I come home to at the end of the day," said David.

Now, with nothing to stand in his way, David M has returned and he's ready to make his presence felt on the world stage.

With the release of two notable singles, Lest We Forget and Here Comes Your Life, both from the forthcoming CD, Here Comes Your Life, David is already catching the eyes and ears of radio and television.

Lest We Forget, which opens with excerpts from Dr Martin Luther King Jr's famous 'I Have A Dream' speech, not only speaks to the civil-rights movement and the works of Dr King, but also gives praise to the work and sacrifices made by leaders such as Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, Nelson Mandela, Steven Biko and others who have been instrumental in the struggle for equality and justice.

Written entirely by David M, Here Comes Your Life is filled with heart-tugging, thought-provoking music, including the irresistible title track, Heart of Everyone, which pays homage to the legacy of the legendary Bob Marley.

"Bob's unmatched contribution to reggae music and his outstanding, rich musical gifts and the respect he deserves for them are not open to discussion. He touched the heart of everyone," he said.

As for David M, it appears that all the dreams are now coming true and not a moment too soon.

"I've waited a long time for this moment," he said.