Marley brothers make moves

Ghetto Youths International spends first year honing the skills of younger acts

Ghetto Youths International has cultivated and is ready to unleash an eclectic collection of young talent on to the music scene this coming fall.

The record label, which is run by brothers Stephen, Julian, and Damian Marley, has gathered its wealth of experience and ear for talent and has been steadily discovering, developing, and signing gifted artistes. The roster includes well-anticipated acts such as Joseph 'Jo Mersa' Marley, Christopher Ellis, Jasmin Karma, Black-Am-I, Javaughn, and experienced singjay Wayne Marshall.

Throughout the year, the label has released a number of songs from the artistes, and it is now ready to unveil them in full on an upcoming compilation to be released in late fall.

The compilation will include all the above acts as well as tracks from Stephen, Julian, and Damian Marley. While many people are familiar with the musical genius of the Marley brothers, the organisation is confident fans will be wowed by the talent emerging from the label.

On the roster is Jo Mersa, son of Stephen Marley, who released the official video for his song, Bad So, this summer. The video was directed by Winston 'Tyson' Mayhew and showcases the deejay's lyrical abilities.

Performance Skills

Mersa spent the year cultivating his performance skills on tour with his father in Europe and now the United States.

Sweet crooner Christopher Ellis, son of the legendary Alton Ellis, is focusing on his career. Christopher Ellis, like his father, has a smooth and unique voice and has been busy in studio. Ellis can be heard on the single Don't Change Your Number, which features Bay-C from the group T.O.K.

He recently performed to a sold-out crowd at the Jazz Café in the United Kingdom.
Acts such as Black-Am-I, Javaughn, and Jasmin Karma have also persevered and shone their respective genres. Hard-hitting, conscious lyrics dominate the repertoire of Black-Am-I, who released his Modern Day Freedom single this summer.

Since then, the artiste has been creating a stir on the local live music scene.

Up-and-coming act Javaughn is no stranger to music lovers, having been on the scene since his early teen years. The youngster released his first album titled Superstar on the Ghetto Youths label at the age of 15. Since then, he has been recording new material, which will soon be released.

Also working hard is the only female on the label, Jasmin Karma. The Costa Rican reggae singer hits the right notes on a cover of Peter Tosh's hit Brand New Second Hand. She has been practising her skills on tour in Europe with Stephen Marley.

Wayne Marshall is prepping to release his True Colours album on the Ghetto Youths label early next year. Prior to that, however, the singjay has been hitting the airwaves with the collaboration Go Hard which features him, Damian Marley, Bounty Killer, I-Octane, Assassin, Aidonia, and Vybz Kartel. The song has been charting locally, and plans are in place to shoot a video this month with acclaimed local director Ras Kassa.

Not to be missed is another collaboration getting airplay, the thought-provoking Independence from Marshall, Damian Marley, Tarrus Riley, and T.O.K., which was released on August 1.

All the Ghetto Youths artistes are hard at work and are expected to showcase themselves well on the upcoming compilation.

Ghetto Youths International was founded by Ziggy and Stephen Marley in 1989. Stephen, Damian, and Julian Marley later incorporated the family-owned label. The three brothers have applied their musical talent and vast experience to developing new and different acts and styles of music.

The untitled compilation follows previous releases like the successful Educated Fools and the Gang War rhythm compilation.

(from Jamaica Gleaner)

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