Interview with Reggae Artist Gyptian

In 2005, the previously unknown singer rose to international acclaim when his debut single Serious Times hit the top of the local and overseas reggae charts, and defeated even Junior Gongs Top Ten Billboard hit Welcome to Jamrock, to be declared Jamaica’s Most Important Song of 2005. Nominated for Best New Entertainer at the 2006 International Reggae and World Music Awards, the twenty-three year old velvet-voiced singer has been dominating the charts with a slew of hit singles including Is There a Place, Beautiful Lady, and the chart-topping ballad Mama, Don’t Cry.

Jud: Have you always been identified as “Gyptian”?
Gyptian: Yes, the name was given to me from I was a youth.

Jud: What is your current religious belief?
Gyptian: Free lifestyle, whatever you do is up to you. Just to live and respect each other as you would want someone to respect you.

Jud: Born of parents who identified with different religious backgrounds; your mother was a
Protestant and your father was a Rastafarian. How would you describe your childhood growing up in such a household?
Gyptian: It was normal, nothing was forced on me, I was taught to be independent and to make I own decisions. Even though they were of different religion it was taught to me to Love and Honor the One Above.

Jud: What was it like growing up in St. Andrew?
Gyptian: Well you see my childhood was no different from any other child; I had a home, food to eat and clothes to wear. Just being any normal youth who was humble and simple.

Jud: Who and what inspires you to write?
Gyptian: Everything that happen, just living daily. Disappointments, happiness, sadness, laughter, just daily life.

Jud: Growing up as a young man with different influences around you. What are some of the things you would change if you were given a second?
Gyptian: Well the most important thing I was grown with is Love and Spirituality, and knowing right from wrong. I don’t look behind me to the past as to what I can change; the past is just that the past, I am more interesting in tomorrow, the future looking at bigger and better things.

Jud: What was it like working with Mr. Wong?
Gyptian: Mr. Wong was quiet influential in my former years he was tremendous, however it was Kenneth Wilson aka ‘Spragga’ who really gave me my first real recording “Serious Times” that was the man who really backed me to put out that single. Nuff Respect Spragga.

Jud: What can you say about your fast international recognition?
Gyptian: I wouldn’t say it was fast because I’ve been working behind the scene long time now doing a couple a stage shows in Portmore and anywhere else I was given a chance to sing a tune to show my talent to the people.

Jud: “Serious Times” is really and truly serious. This single has gone so Far topping the {engage Charts. Do you think it deserves the positive? Feedback?
Gyptian: Yes I do believe it deserve everything it got, that song was written off the realities of life. That song is a song that everyone can relate to regardless of race, age or background. I am proud of that song as a first hit.

Jud: How do you feel when almost all of your work is featuring on the Billboard?
Gyptian: To be honest I don’t see it, it is easier for me to commend a friend on the good work he is doing and his accomplishments, but because I’ve always loved music, singing is like second nature to me so I am just happy and humbled for the recognition my music is getting.

Jud: Looking back at when you first came out, how much has success changed you as a person?
Gyptian: It is a blessing for me thus far, I don’t call it success, but instead I call it Progressiveness. Progressiveness doesn’t change you but encourages you to push harder to want to do much more, it also humbles you to know that your music is accepted and the message is being heard

Jud: A lot of artists whether earlier or later in their career become producers. Do you see yourself working behind the scenes producing other artists’ music?
Gyptian: I am producing right now, and no I am not ready to name my artist yet its still in the making. But I intend to produce more in the future.

Jud: What is the most memorable thing a fan has ever done?
Gyptian: Matthew Kidd aka ‘Vehicle Producer’ when I was younger in the business got $500 for me and he took $200 for himself and gave me $300. That is the thing that I will always remember. It taught me a lesson that whatever I earn will be shared in this industry.

Jud: All the ladies love you on stage and in public appearances. Is there a Special “Empress” in your life at this point?
Gyptian: No not right now I am free and single. I am here to share with the ladies, there’s enough to go around

Jud: What is your biggest musical accomplishment so for and why?
Gyptian: My biggest accomplishment so far is my assets that I have gained through my music: my apartment, house and vehicles.

Jud: Are you planning to go on Tour any time soon?
Gyptian: Yes, I am there are plans for a European Tour.

Jud: What is the relation between you and your publisher Shiloh?
Gyptian: It’s great so far no complaints.

Jud: Live performing could be disrupted by malfunctions of stage props and could lead to devastating results. How would you handle one?
Gyptian: That’s where the name ‘entertainers’ come in, we should be prepared for any shortcomings. If a microphone was to ever go dead on me then I would have to act out my song, this entertain my audience. They may not be able to hear my voice but they will be able to see my movements. As entertainers we need to be Versatile.

Jud: What was it like working with Boscom x?
Gyptian: Boscom X is a genuine guy, he is the first person to have me perform on Summer Sizzle, I admire him, he is a good person to have on your team.

Jud: Are there any other artists that you would like to collaborate with in the future?
Gyptian: No not right now, but I am always open to new ideas. Any thing that has to do with good music I am always willing to work on.

Jud: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Gyptian: Making music, having a couple more ‘good’ albums. I am not making music to achieve a Grammy I am making music for the message to be heard and for my music to sooth the weary souls out there. If I win a Grammy I will be very grateful a d humbled by it my fans put me to that level, but if not then I will still be happy making good music that touch my fans.

Jud: Is acting going to be something that you would consider in the near future?
Gyptian: Yes. It is something that I’ve always loved as a youth, but my love for music was always my first love. I would love to act someday. Why not, the money is very good.

Jud: What can we expect to hear from you in 2007?
Gyptian: Just more good music and great performances.

Jud: As a reggae artist, what advice would you give to someone that wants to get into the music industry?
Gyptian: I would advised them to come good, know what your about and have a really good song to offer, don’t come in expecting success to be handed to you on a palter, You are going to have to work real hard to make it in the music industry.

This interview was conducted by Jud Benjamin; WeJamaicans.com’s senior online promoter. Edited by Mark Dixon.