Becoming 'Eva Hype' -Schoolboy journeys into dancehall and brings a difference

Patrina Pink, Gleaner Writer

Witty and remarkably clever could easily escape one's lips when asked to offer up a short description of Stefan 'Eva Hype' Bowes. That is, however, the closest thing to 'short' the 6"1 upper sixth-form student will come.

The lanky Wolmerian has his sights on destroying the bar in mainstream dancehall. His catchy tunes have been touted for their ability to connect with the vibes agenda of young dancehall and R&B fans.

Seventeen years old, Eva Hype sees music as a way to channel the emotional energies that come with being an adolescent and has found the right formula with a crisp sound and cultured agenda.

His first video, Lovers Go, also features a fellow school boy deejay, D'yani. It is produced by 2fresh records and is a star track on his newly released mix tape, 'Music and Her'. In Lovers Go, Eva Hype goes in pursuit of an attractive young female. For the talented young musician, it is a boy-meets-girl tale with a hype twist.

Expression

Instead of just dropping mediocre lines to woo the young woman, he goes for the cranium; "Every time I see you it's like my fantasies become tangible. Let me take you to where lovers go,it's more than a physical place, more like a metaphysical connection."

The young lady's once-staunch defences are significantly altered after Eva Hype is given room for expression. If this is a sign of things to come, the young Wolmerian will think light of shaking down the burglar bars of the industry's gatekeepers.

Eva Hype's optimism is no surprise to those who know him. The young man's favourite pastime is conversation and this is reflected in a well-articulated vision for the future. His confidence is almost oozing as he declares in his track Overlooked that he wants to take over dancehall by age 20.

Hype believes the big 'buss' is at his feet and is honing his deejaying and songwriting skills until that time. He is also taking lessons from various musical giants who act as mentors, whether they know it or not. Musical advisers include younger acts such as Mavado and Drake as well as legends, such as Beres Hammond and gospel sensation Fred Hammond.

Hammond's music has special significance since Eva Hype lives in a traditional Christian home.

This Christian upbringing has impacted the songwriting choices for the up-and-coming musician.

"It's very obvious that music is power and I think my music should be positive while still enjoyable," he said.

Despite a commitment to stay positive Eva Hype is not eager to judge and cast aspersions on those who choose to take another route.

With an uncommon maturity, he scoffed at what he claimed was a pretentious attempt to apply class politics to music.

"The argument about what should be the role of music is dated to me. It's a conversation that has always had a trace of elitism."

Eva Hype believes Jamaican music, with its deep dependency on the darker side of life, simply exposes how artistes and others are socialised.

"Who are 'they' to decide what a person should like or enjoy? People like that kind of music because they relate to it and sometimes the intensity and the graphic nature of it is a reality to them."

Eva Hype doesn't want to add to the chorus of dancehall bashers, but instead believes in transformation through producing more radio- and child-friendly music.

"My view is music is an art and I'm creating. I don't see the need to do that (sing lewd lyrics). I should be able a take you to a place through the arts."

He sees music as a space that thrives on unbridled expression. For Eva Hype, music is the art form with the most potential for creating impact.

"Your lyrics are like colours and your beat is your canvas. You have an opportunity to create a picture, but you can go beyond inspiring and be fun youthful and hype."