Portmore, Jamaica, has become the grooming place for some of the greatest talents hailing from the island best know for reggae music.
Now after perfecting his art, the latest sensation to emerge from this musical oasis is Davaughn Brown, the deejay better known as Rempage.
With a distintive, deep, powerful voice, he tells his story of how the musical journey began for him as one of the youngest selectors in sound system history. "I got my first real exposure performing whil traveling with Cyclops Disco," says the brught, young artiste.
Back in those early days, Rempage listened to a variety of music, not limiting himself to one style or to one artiste. However, when expressing himself musically, he found that the majority of his material focused on the current lifestyles and trends. The guns, the warefare, and the 'bad-man' lyrics that were continuously getting forwards in dancehalls all over the island.
At the end of the 90's, the aspiring deejay took a short trip to the Bahamas to gather his thoughts, and without the distractions that had held him back; he took the time to focus on his musical development, one hundred percent. Mentally strong, he pushed himself until he reached the right people in the industry, locked down airplay on the local radio stations, and performed at all the island hotspots.
His next move was to South Florida where he learned other aspects of the industry. Forming a link with various record labels and noted producers, he took advantage of the combined experience around him and siphoned information about the ins and outs of the business. "I wanted to learn as much as possible, and I chose the right people to help me in my mission," says Rempage. "I realized that this is definately what I wanted to pursue, and they liked what I was doing too, because I was a young intelligent man, trying to better myself, and they respected that."
Music lovers embraced him with his spicy rough-edged lyrics, and as a result of his hard work and willpower, once again, he received extensive airplay on the underground radio stations, as well as stations in New York, Jamaica Bahamas, California and many other places including Europian countries.
Consistently moving in the right circles to meet the right people, one such meeting led to his present manager, Charles 'Chuck B' Higgins, who immediately recognized the talent that Rempage had developed over the years.
"Chuck B took me to the Survival Recording Studios, where I recorded several songs, including "Gimme Some More" on the Digg Diggy rhythm. Although I've easily recorded lots of songs, this was the beginning of something new for me."
The song was different for him, as he incoporated softer female driven lyrics into this new recording, moving away from the hard-core songs he was accustomed to. The positive consensus from old and new fans was solid, and with a new lease on life, he continues on this path.
Rempage has since recorded songs on various labels, including "Lover Man" on the Sweet Sadie's Production label, "The One" on the Danga Zone label, "Real Gyalis" on Red Rat's Rat-A-Kastle label and songs for Non-Stop Records, Drop the Base label, Blacks Black House Label , Snow Cone Inner Circle, Red Square, Finatic Records and many other labels .
On the journey of conversion, he wrapped up a set with Specialist, working on a crossover track with an international flair called "Hey Girl". Rempage found him an inspiration to work with, as the talented Clifton 'Specialist' Billon is known for his ability to take artists to gold and platinum sales status.
Now back in Jamaica, this upcoming artiste continues to record and promote his premiere love for music, with lyrics suited to a wider audience, However, this is not the only avenue he travels musically.
"I also build rhythms, so I don't limit myself to one thing", he advises. "Even before becoming a deejay, I'd listen to the radio and wonder how they put the music together. I guess the curiosity and the hunger pushed me to pursue this aspect too."
Owner of his own record label, K.N.O.X. Records, Rempage builds the rhythms then writes lyrics, not just for him, but also for some of the other artistes who will record them. This is his way of building a better future and having more control over what he does. "When I write lyrics, it feels like I'm talking to the listener, allowing them to integrate with what I'm saying or with whomever is voicing the track."
His latest project is called the March Out Rhythm, and so far has a bevy of popular, well-known Jamaican voices lined up for it.
Rempage keeps his feet firmly on the ground, as he continually aspires for new heights. His hunger, determination and will to succeed, pushes him forward every day.
"Music lives forever and my plan is to master different aspects of it; whether it's building rhythms, publishing, or producing. I also want people to see that I'm real. I want to be known as me - Rempage, accepted for what I give to them, having no choice but for me to love my work. That's my vision."
An ambitious, unique, individual, Rempage is on a mission. Keep an eye out and an ear open for his upcoming releases, and prepare to be entertained by the man, who want to give you some more!
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