A self-described poet/rapper/deejay, London-based Naayhm says he hopes to make a difference musically with a fresh approach and sound.

“I love to write songs that everyone can relate to I am also the biggest critic of my own music and try to get the best done,” he said in a recent interview.

“I want to work hard at becoming one of the best stage performers and perfecting my craft. One of my goals is to have longevity.”

Naayhm, whose real name is Andrew Wayne Williams, was born in Manchester.

When he was 17, he won a deejay competition promoted by Super Plus Food Store and Western Union.

With his cash prize, he funded the production of Sound Boy Killing, a song recorded with his friend Batallion at Black Scorpio studios in Kingston.

Later, he recorded for producers Paul ‘Bankey’ Giscombe and Clifton ‘Specialist’ Dillon as well as Clive Hunt, Junie Starr, and Doc Marshall.

Naayhm eventually moved to the United Kingdom where his song What’s Your Name Girl got modest rotation on Choice FM.

Some of his recent recordings include Tight Hold, So in Love and Be Myself (which are taken from his forthcoming EP).

Ranco glitters with Diamonds

Deejay Ranco is hoping to capitalise on the momentum of the dancehall remix of Diamonds, a song made famous by Rihanna. Ranco is featured on the remix, and, according to the artiste, it has opened new doors.

“The feedback has been positive. Social media is abuzz with people talking about the song, and I am really happy and pleased with the way things turned out,” he said.

The Diamonds remix has made reggae charts in the United States, United Kingdom and Italy.

Born Jermaine Bailey in Spanish Town, Ranco says after graduating from Spanish Town Comprehensive High School, he went straight into music.

He made his recording debut in 2009 with Gimme the Strength for a Spanish Town producer called ‘Bully’. Since then, he has recorded songs including Gal a Murder, Do Yuh Ting Baby, Touch, and Over and Over.

Ranco has worked with producers including ZJ Chrome, Huffy from Good Youth Productions, and Jamie Roberts for Young Vibes Productions.

“My musical journey has been a very challenging one but I have accepted the challenge because I believe music is what I am destined to do. So instead of despairing when the road gets tough, I just use obstacles to my advantage and learn from them,” Ranco said.

His first release for 2013 is Successful, for the Thirteen Records label.

Vitchous moves up the ranks

Michael Bembridge, known musically as Vitchous, has come a long way from his days as a student at Happy Grove High School in Portland, when he performed at concerts and community events.

Those days, he dreamed of following in the footsteps of his musical influences — Bob Marley, Beres Hammond, Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Shaggy, Sean Paul, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer and Buju Banton.

After leaving high school, he was a member of the harmony trio Ikonz, but went solo after relocating to the United States.

Today, he is a fixture on reggae shows in the tri-state area (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut) where he has opened for established acts like Sizzla, Capleton, I Wayne and Assassin.

Among his recent releases are the songs Let You In, Herbs, Party Hop, and Superstar Look. He recently released the video for Let You In.

Along with Dinero, he also operates a company called Kemicx Productions which has released a number of songs in the tri-state region.