by Howard Campbell
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Effectively-spoken and low-key, Written doesn’t match the profile of artists hyped as the subsequent massive factor in dancehall/reggae. With a debut album pending, in addition to an look in a mega Hollywood film, the singer is one to look at in 2024.
We Alright is the identify of his album, to be launched by Nah Ramp, a label owned by American music trade veteran Gary “Dr. Dread” Himelfarb, founding father of RAS Data. Primarily based in Washington DC, that firm distributed albums by elite acts like Bunny Wailer, Gregory Isaacs, Tradition and Israel Vibration.
Written, who’s in his 30s, additionally performs Junior Braithwaite, an unique member of The Wailers, in Bob Marley: One Love, the Paramount Photos film scheduled for launch on February 14.
Whereas cautious of the excessive expectations for album and film, Written says his outlook has not modified.
“The plan is all the time to excel past the place we’re bodily, spiritually and mentally. However this 12 months we are literally trying to the lands past to unfold the message of affection by means of efficiency,” he informed South Florida Caribbean Information.
Beforehand, the Kingston-born artist recorded songs for various producers in Jamaica, together with Bunny Wailer. The strategy was totally different engaged on an album for an abroad label.
“With this being my first album I’m very blissful and keen to listen to how will probably be obtained. It’s one thing I’ve all the time wished to do, and if you find yourself being supported by a legend like Dr. Dread who has labored with so many movers and shakers of the trade, I can solely do my greatest. However my greatest is what we’ve grown accustomed to over time so I wasn’t nervous about that,” he mentioned.
Written, whose actual identify is Jason Wright, hails from Tavares Gardens, a rugged group also referred to as Payne Land. It’s near Trench City, which was as soon as dwelling to a few of his musical heroes together with Wailer and Bob Marley.
Recording Profession
His recording profession started 5 years in the past, and has produced songs equivalent to Bear in mind December and Worry to Perceive (a collaboration with Alborosie). Briefly, he was a part of a Wailers tribute trio with Wailer’s son, Asadenaki, and Blvk H3ro.
Being in that group helped put together Written to play Braithwaite, a Trench City native who sang lead on the traditional Wailers ballad, It Hurts to be Alone. He was murdered in Kingston, at age 40, in 1999.
Though he had no performing expertise, Written was chosen to play Braithwaite. He downplays his minor position in what could also be one of many 12 months’s largest films.
“I’ve by no means actually considered what it might do for my profession in addition to giving me the expertise in that discipline, however I realized so much simply being round them (actors) and seeing how they work. Additionally I’d positively like to do extra performing, seeing how every part was accomplished has peaked my curiosity,” he mentioned.