World-famous for its beaches and all-inclusive hotels, Montego Bay has long been Jamaica’s tourist hub. It is also staking claim to the capital Kingston’s tag as dancehall’s epicenter.
Artists like Shane E are responsible for Montego Bay’s growing reputation as a musical hot spot. With songs like 100 Duppy, Blessings A Flow and his current hit, Gone Sleep, the 29-year-old deejay is one of the rising acts from the resort city.
“Right now, ‘MoBay’ have a certain vibe. Di artist dem show sey dem on a certain level an’ standard, an’ mi try to uphold dat,” he said.
Shane E, whose real name is Theophilus Edwards, grew up in Mount Salem, Rose Heights and Flankers, some of Montego Bay’s toughest communities. He credits his upbringing for the hardcore nature of his songs.
His biggest influence was Derrick Edwards better known as deejay Corey Merital of the Merital Family. That group was once affiliated with Vybz Kartel’s Empire camp which produced their 2010 hit song, My Money Ha Ha.
Corey Merital’s death in May, 2015 spurred his younger cousin to pursue music full-time. Prior to that, Shane E hung out at dances and dropped rhymes in the company of friends.
“I saw him two days before him dead…talk to him on the phone 20 minutes before dem kill him,” said Shane E. “Mi jus’ did have to do music to carry on di family name, an’ him legacy.”
In the last three years, Shane E has recorded profusely for various producers in Montego Bay and Kingston. One of his most popular songs is The Dream, produced by Hampton and Street Team.
The Dream is a collaboration with singjay Chronic Law, another emerging artist from Montego Bay. In recent years, that city has produced a flurry of acts who have captured the mainstream’s attention.
Tommy Lee Sparta, Teejay and Squash are some of the other artists from Montego Bay making their mark.
Shane E’s debut EP is scheduled for release this year.
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