Recording artiste from Old Harbour zooms in on musical dream

His mother was only 14 years old when she brought him into this world and living for the most part of his journey on Earth has been extremely difficult.

But the eldest of three siblings was determined to use education as his getaway vehicle to escape the harsh struggles growing up in the tough and highly stigmatized ghetto of ‘Africa’, a tiny underdeveloped enclave within the Burke Road community of Old Harbour.

During his years of secondary education at Old Harbour High, Phillips maintained excellent grades throughout which was enough to earn him a scholarship to Caribbean Maritime University (CMU). He continued his academic excellence at CMU, graduating three years ago with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering.

Looking back from where he’s coming from Phillips had made remarkable strides. He’s now a full time employee at the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPSCo) and is considered the main breadwinner for his mother and siblings, who all grew up without a father.

But despite his admirable success and being able to hold down a stable job that’s paying him well, Phillips is keen on scaling higher heights.

His goal to become one of the best dancehall or reggae talents remains a work in progress, however.

Earlier this year, he dropped the official video of his fourth song titled Mental Slavery and promised “I got a lot in store” and “a lot of progress is gonna be made” once the coronavirus pandemic is brought under control.

In his mind he is called to a higher purpose and envisaged changing the world by doing songs that will free the minds of those persons trapped in a mental vice.

“I was raised by the toughest gangsters in Old Harbour. Some of which are dead,” the 26-year-old stated in an online chat with Old Harbour News. “I struggled. Really hard.”

To survive in such a tough environment, the versatile artiste had to learn quickly, as he didn’t want to become a statistic among the country’s crime data.

“I’m working to support my music. Music is my dream. That’s what I’ve always wanted to do,” said the artiste who has shown his creativity in songs like Virtuous Woman, Fresh and Beauty Queen.

But “I got an education first before I pursued my music career”, added the Old Harbour Primary alumnus, who is motivated by his love for God and ensuring his siblings chart a path of excellence in life.

Time will hopefully tell whether Phillips is able to replicate his academic excellence in the musical arena. He certainly has a platform to build on, as his music exudes everyday human struggles and resilience that will resonate with people.