Getting ahead today requires a concoction of hard work, blind ambition, dumb luck and of course, networking: in Jamaica you have to have the right ‘connections’. For Wayne Marshall, Black Am I and Christopher Ellis, musicians on the Ghetto Youth International (GYI) label – the brainchild of Stephen, Damian and Julian Marley – there’s undoubtedly an appreciation for meeting, collaborating and associating with all the ‘right’ people at the ‘right’ time.
As a child, Wayne Marshall’s family moved from Barbican to Hope Pastures, where he was just four gates up the road from the great King Jammy, the renowned producer who was responsible for pioneering digital Dancehall in Europe. Wayne was able to hang out with peers who shared his deep interest in music and had the chance to venture into the dub master’s studio. Growing up in Bob Marley’s birthplace, Nine Mile, certainly didn’t hold back.
Black Am I’s musical ambitions. After entering a JCDC competition when he was in second form, he knew instantly that he wanted to do music. Ironically, he auditioned for Bob’s son, Damian “Junior Gong” Marley in 2006, who at the time told him he needed more practice. A year later, impressed by his progress, Gong signed him to his GYI label.
Being the son of a legendary Jamaican vocalist, the late Alton Ellis, couldn’t have hurt Christopher Ellis’ chances of leaping into the music industry. When his father passed away in 2008, he was determined, more than ever, to pursue his passion. After deciding to stay in Jamaica following his dad’s funeral, Chris reached out to and met with popular reggae singer and producer “Sugar” Minott before eventually being introduced to Stephen and Damian Marely.
“The Marleys have inherited so much that they could just be taking it easy but they still find the drive and the determination to keep on going and would love to see the Ghetto Youth artists achieve success, as if it were themselves,” explained Dancehall deejay Wayne Marshall. “Selfless perfectionists, they are involved in every aspect of our musical journey, whether it’s the album artwork, placement, promotions, or strategy,” he shared.
The incredible opportunity to work with Marley heavyweights isn’t lost on GYI’s members. The label’s musicians enjoy the perks of collaborating with certified hit makers, reggae royalty even, who are experienced at developing their craft and encouraging others to take their ‘musical game’ to the next level. GYI artists are able to witness firsthand what makes the ‘workaholic’ Marleys tick – they see all the effort and hours that go into rehearsing, recording and writing. Wayne, Black Am I and Chris know they are in a highly coveted position as they benefit from the distribution reach of a successful, independent label, and gain priceless exposure to the vast Marley fan base.
“One of the most important lessons I’ve learned so far is song writing, particularly the detail involved with the process,” revealed singer Christopher Ellis. “Working with Stephen Marley and Gong, there’s no settling for lines. There’s no “ok, that line can work, it can pass”. No, it has to be ‘THE’ line. I really admire the way they pay so much attention to coming up with lyrics,” he disclosed.
The Marleys’ goodwill seems to have rubbed off on their protégés who have all expressed a desire to positively affect their respective genres, especially to inspire young talent, paving the road for up comers in the same way that music veterans did for them. Following the steps of the great icons, they see their role as Reggae ambassadors introducing the music into untapped marketplaces, constantly evolving as artists and revolutionizing the industry.
“I would advise aspiring musicians to make sure this is truly what you want to do because no matter how much you sacrifice, it never gets easier,” remarked reggae artist Black Am I. “Don’t just come into the business for what you see on TV because what happens in the limelight isn’t really what being a musician is about. You have to stay extremely focused and be the best at what you do,” he noted.
2014 will be a very busy year for the Ghetto Youth artists. Black Am I will be doing quite a few shows as well as debuting new singles and videos, and will be dropping a recently completed EP while beginning work on a new album. His aim is to make a name for himself as he feels it’s time to come to the forefront and really show what he has to offer. Christopher Ellis will be following up on his 2013 EP with his debut album in the upcoming months. He plans to keep improving all aspects of his music, particularly his live performances. Fans can look out for Wayne Marshall’s latest album, Tru Colours, now available on iTunes as well as new tours and videos. After more than a decade in the business, his goal for 2014 is to give music enthusiasts a different experience and set
new trends.
In spite of all the very public clashes and rivalries, from Bounty and Beenie, to Lady Saw and Macka Diamond, what’s truly amazing is the incredible respect and camaraderie still evident amongst GYI’s artists. Bob’s legacy continues to live on in his timeless music, his iconic photographs as well as in his sons, who have successfully championed Reggae music, and who have graciously gone beyond their own family lineage to ensure that both Reggae and Dancehall continue to thrive not just in Jamaica but on the world stage.