The art of being seen - Artistes look for more visibility in New Year

While many persons are busy making resolutions for the New Year, several artistes plan to make themselves more visible in the music industry.

After getting much exposure from the Digicel Rising Stars a few years ago, Shuga (formerly Brown Sugar) says she aims to show herself as more than just a talent.

"2012 was the step-out year for me. The plan for 2013 is to put out some more hits, do a whole heap of promotion, and I also plan to release an album. It will show the growth of Shuga, see the transformation from just a talent to an artiste," she told The Gleaner.

Already an established act, Elephant Man says he has shows in the United States, Jamaica and St Kitts to kick off the new year.

And by Summer, he says he will do his final album with VP Records. However, he has no intention of signing a new contract with the record company.

"You have nuff big company who would like to do work with Elephant man. We do long enough wid VP, no disrespect to VP, big up VP," he said.

reviving the presence

Meanwhile, dubpoet group No-Maddz released a new single, Face My Fear, and its music video on January 1.

"Pretty much we plan on reviving the presence of No-Maddz on the Jamaican live-music scene. We plan to do events in various parishes. We are not marketed mainstream, so you won't hear us on the radio, so we will be taking it to the people," said Sheldon Shepherd, member of the group.

With quite an acting background, he said they will also be doing a production called Breadfruit Is The New Bread Baby that will show off the group's live music and acting skills.

But No-Maddz are not the only ones with plans, as gospel artiste Omari has quite a bit on his plate. He says he will be releasing new singles from producers like Kurt Riley, Penthouse Records, Notice Production and Pay Day Music.

"From ever since, those producers have always shown interest. A lot of producers are always reaching out to me, so I made a conscious decision to do the work," he said, noting that Why was produced by Kurt Riley, while Jehovah Guide Me was done by Romeich Major.

"I want to be a little bit more visible in the music. I will be putting out more music videos and I will be promoting the book (Why Me God). A lot is going to happen, trust me," he said, adding that he will also be touring Africa.

(from Jamaica Gleaner)