The city fell into a dance trance and stepped up to groove with Jamaican-American Reggae fusion singer and rapper Sean Kingston as he rapped his way into the hearts of Bangaloreans. Here in Bangalore as part of a four-city tour across India the 20-year-prodigy had the crowd screaming for more as he performed to a packed audience at Hard Rock Café in a concert organise by Bacardi.
Touring the country for the first time, Sean finds the subcontinent a place of talent. “India's music is quite popular and is a great place for young artistes to come up. Personally it feels good to come here and do shows for crowds with so much energy,” said an enthusiastic Sean.
Born in Miami, Florida, and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Sean grew up in an atmosphere of music.
“Singing since I was six, I found life taking me into the realm of music and it was no surprise that my family supported me all through,” he recalled. The young boy wonder also had the music vibe in his blood being the grandson of reputed Jamaican reggae producer Lawrence Lindo.
The thriving reggae of Jamaica and the Hip Hop culture prolific in Miami played influencing roles in his music. “I grew up listening to Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, the Fugees among others and that background helped me as I moved to Miami where I was also influenced by Ice Cube and Slick Rick,” ruminated Sean.
Soon Sean began to incorporate elements of his reggae heritage with his rapping abilities giving rise to a unique mélange of street rap with home-grown flair and sensitivity. “It's something new with a blend of different melodies and elements derived from rhythm ‘n' blues, hip hop and reggae,” said Sean while describing his fusion style.
On young artistes dominating the music industry, Sean opined that people demand something new and fresh today. “Music lovers deserve more and its young blood stepping up to deliver. And most of us have a message to inspire others and that's the key here,” said Sean.
Giant leaps
Rising to fame in 2007 with his single “Beautiful Girls” from his eponymous debut album, Sean took humongous strides to be on top of the game. “I never expected it to become such a huge hit. But the success only inspires me to give to the people my best,” he said.
His chart-topping singles “Fire Burning”, “Take You There”, “Face Drop” among others have become household tunes for his worldwide fans. His three-year music career has taken him in giant leaps, with collaborations with several young artistes. Currently working on his third studio album, Sean has transcended across melodic variants exploring new vibrant soundscapes in his music.
Sean believes that lyrics are the most critical part of his songs and he strictly believes in not using profanity in his songs. “I wanted to keep my music clean and sound more professional,” said Sean.
Most often inspired by issues and events around his life Sean pens his songs with a personal touch. “I want people to relate to what I am singing and it's easy because life is all about relationships and reflections.”
Coming from a hard life, Sean, whose real name was Kisean Anderson grew up with challenges. But there's no stopping his grit and determination in rising above life's challenges.
He believes in dreaming big and carries that message wherever he goes.
Wrapping up with a message to other music lovers and upcoming young artistes, Sean says, “Believe in God, never give up nor lose faith. Be yourself and that's what will keep you original.”
