Becoming the cream of the crop - Cayman artiste hopes to conquer Jamaican market

Hasani Walters, Gleaner Writer

Many artistes have had a musical upbringing in the Church. The story of learning to enjoy the beauty of the art form from belting out notes as part of a choir is certainly not unusual.

Twenty-one-year-old Caymanian, Jeffrey Wilson's story is the same. Though Wilson thinks he is very different.

According to him, he is focusing all his energies on becoming one of the most popular and most sought-after acts in the reggae industry.

By watching his brother, who is also a musician, and from the encouragement he gets from his manager, James Anglin, he is motivated to continue doing music.

This, he says, along with reggae legend Bob Marley's inspiring music and ability on the stage, keeps him focused.

Wilson describes his sound as a mixture between R&B and lovers' rock.

His first recorded song was done in March of last year, and since it's October release, he has been working on other songs.

Living in Grand Cayman, his music may not take off as he would like it to, so to combat this, he plans to tackle the Jamaican market.

While there has been progress, Wilson believes he has much work to do.

"It's been going pretty okay, not the way I want it to be going so far, but hopefully, in the near future, it will pick up. It has to," said Wilson.

Improving his ability as a performer and as an artiste will take a great deal of work, but Wilson has said he is prepared for the journey.

Memorable performance

"Right now, my manager is teaching me how to improve my vocal range, my vocal flexibility, and my stage presence. It might take a while before I actually get to the level where I want to be at, but the time's not what matters, it's the outcome," he said.

His most memorable performance was at the Cayman Island Jazz Festival in 2009 where he shared the stage with international superstar Alicia Keys.

He has performed with already established reggae acts such as Gramps Morgan and Duane Stephenson, and whenever he performs in his home country, he is well received.

Wilson sees himself as a household name in a few years and he plans to continue doing good, positive music in an effort to stand out from other young acts.