Dwight Thomas (right) with his father and 1980s artist Jah Thomas. (PHOTO: LIONEL ROOKWOOD)—-
DWIGHT Thomas, son of veteran deejay/producer Jah Thomas and younger brother to reggae singer Da’Ville, is charting his own musical course.
After a brief stint as a vocalist, the 22-year-old has found his niche as a producer. He recently released his debut rhythm Here We Go on his Khame Up label.
“I used to be an artist, but decided to delve into producing. I have grown out of the vocalist vibe, but I still have a passion for music,” Thomas told the Jamaica Observer.
Distributed by VP Records, the 10-track compilation CD was recorded at studios in Jamaica and the United States. The track listing boasts offerings from his siblings Da’Ville (Body Body) and Fushaan (Love You More), as well as local acts including Future Fambo (Partly Hard) and Laden (Well Clean).
“We have already shot a single for the Laden single which has really taken off nicely,” he said.
California-based female Bella adds an international flavour with Grab My Body.
Despite a slump in record sales, Thomas said he has his sights on a bigger prize.
“My whole ambition is to get on the Billboard charts. It’s only not about money right now. Once you hit the charts, then the rest will flow. I am aiming high. There is no plan to go mediocre,” he said.
Jah Thomas (given name Nkrumah Thomas) is pleased with his son’s career path.
“He was born in music. He grew up around it. It fed and clothed him so there is no alternative,” Jah Thomas said.
The elder Thomas — who established himself as an artist in the 1980s with hits including Shoulder Move and Midnight Rock, and producing tracks for his contemporaries including Robert Ffrench, Triston Palmer, and Johnny Osbourne — believes his son has the chops to be listed among Jamaica’s best.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg, we won’t stop. There are other projects in the pipeline such as the Push Back rhythm, which is due for an August release,” he said.
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