Krishane surfs the Atlantic

September 12, 2014 News Room

- by Nadine White -

This year, a lot of young artists of Jamaican descent have been reaping the fruits of their hard work and talent, proving themselves as forces to be reckoned with and landing lucrative record deals in the process. These include Samantha J’s signing to Columbia Records, Omi to Sony affiliate label Ultra Music and more recently Melissa Steel to Atlantic Records UK, who have now also snapped up twenty year old singer Krishane. He made the transition via a recording and publishing agreement that he had held with 1 2 One Entertainment.

As talented as he is, this is no ordinary young man – Krishane is the son of the legendary reggae artist Barrington Levy. With that striking resemblance, one could have very well guessed the family connection! The level headed youngster shared some of the sound advice which his father once imparted to him: “Whatever you choose to do, do it 100% to the best of your ability. The aim of the game is to show no shame.”

That latter part of these words of wisdom ring in one’s ear, like the shrill ‘whoaaa’ ad-libs which Barrington has been known to scat across some of his many classic tracks including his cover of Bob Andy’s ‘Too Experienced’, ‘Under Mi Sensi’, ‘Murderer’ and ‘Here I Come Broader Than Broadway)’. And just as he began his career at a young age, as did Krishane who also adds “I’ve always had Dad as a backbone, as well as my Mum and the rest of my family”

Kris has come a long way from being in his Mother’s tummy and kicking her speechless whenever he heard the sound of music…literally! In 2011, he migrated from his home in the Jamaican parish of Manchester to London (UK). Upon moving, he made an immediate transition into a higher education course, mindful of the moral prescription which many young people hear from their parents: “mek sure you have something in your head!”. Whilst doing so, much of his spare time was dedicated to singing.

Having worked with a number of notable producers from Michael Angelo (Maverick Sabre, Ella Eyre, Sam Smith and Tinie Tempah) to Will Simms (Sean Kingston Girls Generation and Ayah Marar), he is enhancing his scope and cementing a reputation as ‘one to watch’. Produced by Bless Beats, Krishane’s fantastic debut single ‘Drunk & Incapable’ was premiered on Mista Jam’s show on BBC Radio 1xtra last month and will officially be released on October 12. This island pop/reggae track plays out a charming, initial exchange of sentiments between two sweethearts – a timeless concept. It also features Melissa Steel and iconic Grammy award winning deejay Beenie Man:

He reflects on the building process: “It was a monumental moment. We were actually in the studio, vibing to Bob Marley and, between the piano and untold inspiration, the track just came together. Perhaps Bob’s spirit was with us that night!”. That may definitely be the case – the song’s authentic vibe is unmistakable and compliments this youngster’s silky smooth vocals and ‘sweet bwoy’ image.

Krishane has just returned from Jamaica, where he shot the music video for this single in Kingston. He “had fun and worked hard” and will be embarking on a UK radio tour in the near future.