St Croix artiste gives up calypso for reggae

After starting his career as a calypso artiste, St Croix entertainer Mr Rankin says a shift to reggae music more than a decade ago has proven to be fruitful.

The entertainer told THE STAR that after winning five consecutive carnival road march competitions in his country, his big break was taking more time than he had anticipated. He also explained that calypso is seasonal, while reggae is a music for all seasons.

"The fast-pace jump and wave thing is necessary because people want an outlet to release their stress at times. But that is like a Band-Aid until it's jump-up season again," he said. "When reggae touches the soul, it's something that can change your life forever. You feel like you are more than just an artiste, but a messenger with a responsibility to change lives and inspire."

REGGAE CONNECTION

Mr Rankin explained that he found a connection with reggae music, something that he did not experience while doing calypso. He revealed that since he made the decision to change his musical course, he has found an inner peace that is unexplainable.

"I am not knocking other genres, and I am not saying that they are incapable of sending strong messages. However, the spirituality of reggae music is second to none. When you visit a real, authentic reggae concert, you will get the gist," he said. "I want to be a part of that. I want to be a messenger. I want my music to have meaning and to touch people in a positive way."

Mr Rankin also pointed out that reggae has accomplished a lot, considering that it was created in a small island.

WORLDWIDE RECOGNITION

"I am not sure if there is any small country as Jamaica which has its own category in the Grammys. All genres in the Caribbean and other islands fall under reggae, even genres that were before reggae. So that can attest to the power of the genre," Mr Rankin said.

He has released a slew of 'one-drop' singles since converting to reggae. He is now working on an album called Still Crying. The album will be produced by Lampshade Muzic and will feature songs like World Peace and Kings Trodden. Mr Rankin is currently working with Jamaican producer Gayle Lampshade and recently joined forces with the legendary Tuff Gong Recording Studio in Kingston.