DYCR goes down memory lane
This is the sixth of a 10-part series called Pon Di Ends in which we feature communities that have influenced Jamaica’s music.
JUST beyond the winding Junction Road is Relief Road, a dirt track that leads to Devon Pen, a quiet, remote community in St Mary. It is where poet Delroy ‘DYCR’ Chandler grew up.
Last week, the dreadlocked entertainer strolled down memory lane by visiting his hometown, a hillside area dotted by houses.
For many patrons who hang out at Raggy’s Shop, he gave a treat, performing some of his popular poems such as No Eat, Jacqueline and Vuvuzella.
His cousin, Ursella Williams, popularly known as Miss Millie, enthusiastically embraced DYCR and sang his praises.
“A good bwoy dis, trust mi. Mi not telling no lie when a sey is a good bwoy!” she exclaimed.
“Him very genuine, him play a lot, never know him as any troublesome bwoy, good youth … a never even know sey a him a DYCR, a Bully dem used to call him.”
Laughing, DYCR told the story behind his childhood nickname.
“I got that name because our family had a dog name Bully an’ my sister was calling him and I ran around the corner just seconds before the dog reached and she said, ‘wait, look like a you name Bully’!”
Having cleared that up, he headed to Raggy’s to play in a game of dominoes. One of his friends, Rushan Lynder, said he enjoys Vuvuzella, the lead single from DYCR’s upcoming album Sound of the Vuvuzella.
“What I like about him is that he doesn’t forget where he is coming from. Sometimes when we are organising back-to-school treats I love the way he gives his support,” said Lynder.
DYCR is one of many entertainers from St Mary, a parish famous for its banana and sugar industries. Some of the popular acts born there are Capleton, Lady Saw, Tanya Stephens, Ninja Man, Josey Wales and Munga Honourable.
DYCR broke out in 2006 with the amusing Delroy! It was a departure from what he wanted to do originally, which was to sing.
But that, he admits, did not work out.
“I was either running away from the rhythm or the rhythm was running away from me!”
That lack of timing influenced him to turn his attention to poetry which proved a better choice.
After linking with Milton Moore of the Sound Proof label, he recorded the song Flame Fire. Although that got some buzz, it did not get him the break.
That came when singer Singing Melody introduced him to Richie Stephens, who produced Dem Man Deh, Sucker and Smikle which launched him into the spotlight. But it was Delroy!, produced by Bobby Digital, that put him in the mainstream.
Presently, DYCR is promoting the singles Bought and Paid For Here and Jacket, which he says will be on his upcoming album.
