BUSHMAN POURS PASSION INTO NEW SINGLE
Somewhere out there is a reggae singer who is singing songs that address the human condition — socially, economically and spiritually. Bushman is one such singer.
In his latest single, Somewhere, which he describes as “a song of lament infused with abundant hope”, Bushman comes at you with the passion and strength for which he is known, especially when addressing serious issues,
According to Bushman, Somewhere was inspired by his love for all things African and also the current state of the global economy. The steady, rhythmic pattern of the drums over the music and mystery of the tribal language harkens to the Motherland, Africa, while setting the mood for this powerfully haunting single penned by the reggae singer.
“There are certain topics that we can never get away from, so it’s best to just face them squarely and keep the light on them through song,” is how Bushman responds to the question how the plight of certain people affect him.
Poverty, human rights and justice (or the lack thereof), threat of nuclear weapons and overall destruction are all highlighted in Somewhere, the first single from Bushman’s upcoming album, Conquering Lion, which comes on the heels of his 2011 VP/Penthouse offering, Bushman Sings The Bush Doctor, a tribute to Peter Tosh.
Bushman is quite happy with the progress of the latest album and is encouraged by the reaction to Somewhere, which is available for download on iTunes. Following a recent performance in Costa Rica early July, one fan commented, “This song is so good, it gives me the chills. Keep it up. Somewhere, Somewhere out there, I know there’s gotta be way, Somewhere, Somewhere out there, the kids will find a place to play.”
The single was written and produced by Bushman, who also plays the guitar and wood on the track. It was recorded at his own Greenhouse studio in St Thomas, Jamaica, where he lives.
Born Dwight Duncan, in the lush hill top village of Spring Garden, St. Thomas, Bushman was raised as a Rastafarian. While attending Lysson All Age School, his music teacher noticed his potential for music and nurtured him in his developing stages. He then went on to Yallas High School where he continued to shine musically as a member of the school choir, a member of the Yallas drum core, playing the bass organ, also participating in numerous school concerts. He was also a member of the New Testament Church of God Choir, where he earned the name Ark Angel.
During his teenage years he became the selector for Black Star Line sound-system. Going by the moniker, Junior Melody. he took part in several singing competitions and talent searches in and around St. Thomas. Gaining a strong local fan base Junior Melody began to sing dub plates for local sound-systems such as Lees Unlimited, Mello Construction, King Majesty and others. The rave reviews from the sound selectors and the people of his community encouraged Junior Melody to take his talent to the next level, the studios of Kingston Jamaica, the place to be if he wanted to make a name for himself in the reggae business. After many month of traveling to Kingston and waiting around at the studios, Junior Melody met Steely and Cleevie who invited him to audition at Studio 2000. Their first song together was Grow Your Natty, an outstanding debut, Swiftly followed by the hit Call The Hearse. The rest, as they say, is history.
Staying true to his roots, Bushman is not afraid of making his voice heard. He gives thanks for knowledge and growth and a career path that is taking him somewhere.
“I want to say a big thank you to the musicians who worked with me on making Somewhere. Respect to bass player Rupert Mckenzie, Courtney Pantan on Congo drums, keyboard player Phillip “Winta” Green, drummer Delon “Jubba” Whit eand harmonisers Eleanor “Brady” Walters, Simone Gordon and Carolyn Traore. It was a pleasure working with them on Somewhere,” Bushman said.
Bushman leaves for Guyana this weekend and from there he flies to New York for other engagements.
