A recent visit to Japan to perform on four shows was really a dream come true for fast-rising reggae act Vybrant. According to the lyrically conscious artiste, whenever he rehearsed he would visualise places such as Japan and imagine being on stage in that reggae-loving land. Therefore, when he got the call to perform there, he did mental somersaults and gave thanks.
Vybrant packed his bags and headed out on July 8, stopping briefly in Canada before continuing his sojourn to Asia, where he stayed an entire month.
“Japan was truly a great experience,” the Major Links recording artiste stated. “The important thing was absorbing the culture and the love from the people. The Japanese people really feel the energy and I really ‘appreci-love’ that,” he added.
The singer did four shows in all, two of them at stadiums, while the other performances took place at intimate club settings inside the Japanese capital, Tokyo. Among his repertoire were his breakthrough single, Ears Hard, Ceasefire, Everyday, Concrete Jungle and Lightning Bolt. On all shows, however, Vybrant was the only Jamaican reggae act, as all the others were Japanese.
According to Vybrant, the Japanese love for dancehall over reggae was apparent, but “they can be persuaded”.
“The Japanese really gravitate towards dancehall, but as a good reggae act, you can hold your own and enjoy a piece of the pie,” was how the singer summed it up.
Vybrant, a son of St Thomas, attended the Yallahs High School where he performed on the choir, honing his skills. With a strong background in drama, dancing and writing, he is seen as the whole package. A practising Rastafarian, Vybrant’s career has gone through numerous phases as initially he was a hardcore deejay who used the name of Squeechie Killer. Serious medical issues slowed down his career and caused a life that was heading in a devastating direction of gang and violence to find Rastafari. As a result, his direction and views on life took a 360 degree turn. Vybrant’s career has taken him in the presence of most of Jamaica’s prolific producers including Bobby Digital, Computer Paul, Dean Fraser, Flava McGregor and Major Links, who hold him in high regards as a skilled songwriter and vocalist.
With over ten years of persistent work on developing his craft, Vybrant has worked alongside some of Jamaica’s top performers including Luciano, Queen Ifrica, Tarrus Riley, Turbulence and Romain Virgo.
He is currently working on an album project, which he states, “will show a well-rounded and vibrant Vybrant”.
Source: JamaicaObserver
Comment