ASPIRING dancehall act Nicholas Romane Thompson, like many before him, began his musical journey in his childhood years.

Thompson, who performs under the stage name Nicko was raised in various communities in Kingston but was born in the parish of St Mary. Here he was exposed to a variety of musical acts both locally and internationally that inspired him to delve into the world of music.

Nicko desires to have his music connecting with others on a personal level and so he was influenced by musical acts such as Bounty Killer, DMX, Eminem, Mavado and Aidonia; artistes whose music he believes embodies such a feat.

A former student of Calabar High School, he is currently a student at JAGAS, where he is completing his degree in his second passion, engineering. Nicko’s mission is to expose the world to the value of dancehall music, and to the lifestyle and hardships that many Jamaicans face daily. He aims to be one of the few dancehall acts who are able to cross over internationally.

TEENage: Where did you grow up?

Nicholas Thompson (Nicko): I grew up in various communities including Waterhouse, Mannings Hill Road and Whitehall.

TEENage: How did you get started in music?

Nicko: I got started with music in 2006-2007 when my friend and I started a clash between each other. I loved making songs and the vibe that it brought so I took it serious.

TEENage: What influences your type of music?

Nicko: My type of music is influenced mostly by life experiences, I sing what I know about.

TEENage: How would you describe your music?

Nicko: I describe my music as a mixture of dancehall and R&B. I try to deliver my lyrics with nice melodies and voice variations.

TEENage: What are your best qualities as an artiste?

Nicko: Well, my best quality as an artiste is the determination that drives me, I never give up. Also, my style of music is different in the way I bring lyrics across to the listener. I try to create a scene in the listeners’ mind using my voice.

TEENage: Why music as a career?

Nicko: I choose music as a career because of the love. Music is in my heart. From an early age this is what I wanted to do so you can just say it’s a dream come through.

TEENage: Other than music what other career path would you have chosen?

Nicko: If not music, I would be a mechanical engineer. I’m currently pursuing a diploma in that area.

TEENage: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

Nicko: In the next five years my music should be known across the world, I aim to be a fully established dancehall artiste.

TEENage: Which international or local artiste do you look up to as a role model?

Nicko: Locally, I look up to various artistes inclusive of Aidonia, Mavado and Busy Signal. Internationally, Usher, DMX and Eminem. These men create great songs and I love how they deliver.

TEENage: What are the current projects that you working on now?

Nicko: I am currently doing some work with Brixton from Head Concussion Records.

TEENage: How do your parents feel about your career choice?

Nicko: My parents are very supportive. They have no problem with my career choice as long as I’m not wasting time. (Laughs)

TEENage: Where has the music taken you?

Nicko: Music has only taken me around the island. We nuh touch the airport yet. (Laughs)

TEENage: What advice would you give to young persons wanting to do this as a career?

Nicko: My advise to young people who want to do music is that you just have to be determine and love music. Take the time to master your craft, your style of writing and make it original. Believe in your talent and deliver your songs to the best of your ability. And just do it.

— O’Neil Grant