Artists
Defranco
Reserved, spontaneous, humble yet outspoken are some of the words music industry giants use to describe Defranco. But who is he as a recording artist?
In 2006, he entered the Jamaican talent show ‘Rising Stars’ and although he did not win, he was selected for the Kingston top ten from amongst the two thousand six hundred (2600) persons that had entered that year. Later in 2011 and then 2013 he was called to perform on the Jazz and Blues festival stage. The audience and organizers were so elated by his vocal strength and lyrical content that he was recalled later that night (on both occasions) to perform a second time. Media houses were excited to interview the medium height, well dressed, dark complexion guy with a cutting edge voice.
Born into a poor family in the early 80’s in Waltham Gardens, he was taught the foundation and importance of love by his mom, uncles and grandmothers. His lyrics are drawn from situations
surrounding family, lovers, social commentaries, and other personal experiences. It was these situations that tackled his intelligence for years, and which fuelled his determination to pursue a career in the Jamaica Defence Force, starting from the cadet group while in high school (St. Georges College).
Although he always had a gift to sing and played the drums, he soetimes neglected the choir at church
and only played the trap set, but little did he know.
The Change
Finally, having finished school, with his life going as planned; he was closer to becoming a member of the Jamaica Defence Force. After a hard day’s work he would relax by listening to mainly R&B music. He said, ‘My mind began to think freely towards writing and funny enough my catalogue of demos
started.
Is it at all possible that my calling is to be a recording artist?’ If that’s the case he was convinced he had to somewhat incline himself to the history and cry of his ancestors and spiritual beliefs, adapt to the roots of his heritage, Reggae. The transition was tedious until he began to understand more about himself. Now a listener of Disco,RnB, Reggae, and old hits he fell in love with Richie Spice, Bob Marley, Barrington Levy, Taurus Riley, and Dennis Brown. As time passed he was no
longer a shy guy, instead, he was publicly singing and writing songs with his own style which he calls ''Reggae Blues.''
The four (4) new tracks EP from international recording artist Defranco, showcases the range and diversity of the Jamaican-born singer/songwriter/musician and have special meaning to him as they detailed various points in his life. He is best known for his stirring, conscience-raising ode “Got to Change”, which is a very personal song that he wrote about someone he knew, who was making bad decisions which were affecting their life as well as the lives of the people around that cared the most. This is a song of warning and encouragement, a song that inspires life changes and positivity.
Two songs off the album “Got to Change” and “Give You What You Want” have been getting heavy rotations on various radio stations throughout North America, Europe and the Caribbean. They have been featured on Kiss100 Fm & Choice Fm in the UK, The Joint – Sirius XM satellite radio, went #7 on Toronto CHRY 105.5 FM reggae chart and # 2 on Reggae France top 10 songs. As stated by Presenter “Mikey Biggs” of Tellstream Radio based in Birmingham, UK , “This has to be one of the best vocalists I have heard in a long time, reviving conscious and beautiful reggae music. His music reminds me of the legends and profound reggae artists, the likes of Dennis Brown, Garnet Silk, Michael Rose and Richie Spice to name a few”.
He is excited about sharing these songs with his audience. Life is a journey and on that journey we
experience all the emotions that comes with being alive; the essence of being human”.
The Junction
Defranco reminisced, “In 2009 I met Dean Fraser and had the opportunity to record my first official
single, Give You What You Want for his label Cannon Records. I knew there and then that I had some
talent as this would not have been happening. Finally I heard my voice on the radio stations in Jamaica
then calls from abroad kept coming in, now I am totally convinced that I actually can sing (chuckled).
Since then I have done other recordings at Tuff Gong & Grafton studios, Frensforeal, performed at live music venues around the island of Jamaica, New York, St Lucia, Dominica Republic and done tribute
shows for charity. These events gave birth to ‘‘Got to Change,” my second single released in late 2010
followed by “Simple” by Marshall Arts, records and airplay has extended to Africa. Since then Defranco
has recorded several other singles; “Hard to Get” Cahban Rekords, video released February 2016; “She
Didn’t Know”, Triple L Record; “Its no fun”, Gibby Music; “Surely Die”. Crc Music Germany and many
others.
It’s a reality; Defranco is a fast growing recording artist and will become a household name in this life.
For bookings contact: 1-876- 362-9341,1- 876-296- 5415, vivmorro@gmail.com, defranc0222@gmail.com
Visit (https://www.facebook.com/jhatasusuma)
Defranco EP is available in 60 major digital outlets worldwide, including iTunes, eMusic, Amazon, Spotify, Deezer etc. Mobile networks: T-Mobile, Virgin, Vodafone and Claro. Specialized Distributors:
Satellite & Puretracks. You can also follow him on twitter for updates @RealDefranco &
@reggaerelease or on instagram defranco_reggae.
