Nando makes moves with Look at all these Girls

Rising newcomer Nando has been making an impact with his latest single Look at all these Girls. The dancehall tune recently scaled local charts, peaking inside the Top Ten of the Jamaica Music Countdown.

But just who is Nando and what exactly is he bringing to the table? “Nando is a singer who is just as good at gliding over mellow one drop beats and riding uptempo dancehall and soca rhythms or even belting out pop and R&B songs,” an excited Nando said in a recent interview.

While the majority of his musical arsenal addresses male/female relationships, or is meant to make persons dance and get into a party mode, Nando says he isn’t afraid to tackle social issues including racism, bullying or even single-parenthood. “I am bringing a refreshing blend of island pop and soul music and I hope to become a household name in the future,” he explained.

Nando’s interest in music began at an early age hence his musical direction was inevitable. “I grew up listening to my mother singing in the church. I started to play the guitar while I was a teenager. However, the most influential part of my musical journey began when I migrated to New York. While studying for my degree in economics and music theory, I began to create music on sequencers and drum machines. I also sang with the college choir,” Nando recalled.

Nando, whose real name is Hernando Griffiths, once toured with R&B singer John Legend, and described that as a great learning experience which he wouldn’t trade for anything.

Quizzed to explain the story behind Look at all These Girls, Nando said “The song is really about the eternal struggle that all men face in being faithful to one woman when there is so much temptation everywhere.”

Pleased at the response to the song, Nando is already near completion of his debut album which he expects to be released this year. “I have done a number of songs that have the potential to be hits. We have songs like Ride all Night, If I Didn’t Ask and Your Love. The album showcases a variety of songs that display what island pop is about. It’s true to the art form and respectful of all the genres we explore,” said Nando.

Some of the producers who worked with Nando on his debut album include Barry O’Hare, UK-based Deewan, Michael Carvin, Gordon Grody and others.

Nando says his long-term goal is to become the leading voice for island pop and soul music and he also wants his music to leave a lasting impression in the minds of fans.

Matt Cardle continues his reign, while Rihanna tops the album chart

X-Factor contest winner Matt Cardle continues to reign supreme at the top of the UK Singles chart, as When We Collide holds on for dear life in the number one spot.

The UK Singles chart Top Ten features hits from Rihanna (What’s My Name featuring Drake and Only Girl In the World); the Black Eyed Peas (The Time Dirty Bit); Katy Perry (Firework); and Willow Smith (Whip My Hair).

Over on the UK album chart, Loud by Rihanna takes over the top spot.

Eljai teams up with E-Dee for dancehall track

Fresh from topping the Jamaica Music Countdown and the Shanty Vibes Reggae chart in the Virgin Islands with the song The Leaders, singer Eljai is looking to conquer familiar territory with his latest single If You Really.

The track features Los Angeles based dancehall and Billboard charting artiste E-Dee

Eljai has been on a roll since The Leaders was released last year. He is currently charting on the New York and South Florida reggae charts with the track Blessed which features Capleton.

Originally from Belize, Eljai resides in California, where he has been busy making a name for himself on the reggae music scene.

Did you know?

Singer/songwriter and musician Brenda Russell is among the acts billed for this year’s staging of the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival. But did you know that the song If Only for One Night which was made popular by Luther Vandross was written and first recorded by Russell?

If Only for One Night was first featured on Russell’s 1979 self-titled debut album. In 1985, Vandross would rerecord the song for his album The Night I Fell in Love.