Listening to your heart while welcoming change signals the genesis of one's evolution. Through his career in music, singer Da'Ville has willingly opened his heart and soul to new blessings and ideas, which he admits, has contributed enormously to his personal and artistic growth.

DA'VILLE... Right now, I'm thirsty for bigger success but that is something you can't force. (Photo: Marlon Reid)

"I just had to take the bull by the horns and stay focused because being a solo artiste is a lot of hard work," he shared, dressed in a black and white cotton shirt, a pair of expensive-looking jeans, D&G shades and some eye-catching bling.

Like many other artistes, Da'Ville, who left the group ARP five years ago to pursue solo stardom, has turned his past heartaches and hurdles into a blueprint for grown, sexy and captivating music. Today, the results speak volumes: his album On My Mind spawned four number one singles, he has a large and growing international fanbase and gets more attention than he can handle from women wanting to bear his children.

And in an industry that prizes 'hype' and buzz above real talent, Da'Ville proves that he's definitely here to stay. Sunday Entertainment finds out the secret to his success, how he handles the female groupies and why he isn't knocking Sean Paul's hustle.

Sunday Entertainment (SE): Everyone has been talking about your latest string of chart-topping hits. From where do you draw inspiration when writing songs like Yesterday and Dreaming?

Da'Ville: I mostly draw inspiration from real-life situations. I pull a lot from my personal experiences. I usually carry my recorder with me in case I get an idea wherever I am. Or I use my phone voicemail to record some of my ideas (Laughing). You have to be creative.
SE: You don't strike me as the clubbing and partying kind of artiste. What's your story?

Da'Ville: The thing is, I'm always busy musically; I'm either in the studio recording or performing overseas. I do go clubbing sometimes but you have to find a way to balance everything out. I always have a lot on my mind. I have to be hands-on where my career is concerned and that takes a lot of effort. I am not into the hype.

SE: That's understandable. Before I forget, congrats on topping the reggae singles chart in Kenya. What do such achievements mean to you?

Da'Ville: It's always exciting to get positive response to my music. You realise that the music is not just touching people in Jamaica or the Caribbean but all over the world, even the Motherland. It's fascinating that they are feeling the music. It's just a major accomplishment in my eyes.

SE: That aside, what has been your most life-altering experience?

Da'Ville: My very first trip to Japan in early 2005. That was the first time I got to see the effect of my music on other parts of the world. At that time, one of my songs was like an anthem in Japan, so that gave me extra motivation to make music that will appeal to wider scopes of people.

SE: At this point in your career, do you feel pressured to match the success of international crossover stars like Sean Paul and Damian Marley?

Da'Ville: No, I don't feel any pressure. Right now, I'm thirsty for bigger success like what Sean Paul has but that is something you can't force. You have to just put out the music and let the people decide. At the end of the day, I am all about doing good music.

SE: How do you deal with the gold-diggers and professional baby mamas who are always seeking an opportunity to pounce?

Da'Ville: Mi spot them from afar, man (Laughs). I am a very experienced man when it comes to women and relationships so I can read up a girl before she even step to me or I step to her. I am not into the groupie or gold-digger thing. I am into authentic girls who have goals, aims and aspirations.

SE: What's one thing you've discovered about your own abilities over the years?

Da'Ville: I have learned that I can trust my own judgements and should never depend on another man to carry my weight. You have to steer your own vehicle and follow your own path.

SE: What has contributed most to your growth as an artiste?

Da'Ville: I have used all my past experiences as schooling. After a while, all that was left for me to do was depend on myself and trust God. Since going solo, it's been a lot of hard work. But I have paid my dues. God knows what he has set up for me and I am just looking forward to more blessings.

SE: Are you ready to start a family?

Da'Ville: Of course, but the way I grew up living in the garrisons is not the kind of life I want for my kids. I don't want them to experience those kinds of struggles. My kids are going to be my first priority but music is my baby right now (Laughs). But I definitely hope to be a father one day.

SE: Have you ever thought about what you want your musical legacy to be?

Da'Ville: I have never really thought about it before but I just want to ensure that whatever music I leave behind will provide motivation and encouragement for future generations.

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