KENNI Wenna has lived in the United Kingdom for nearly 50 years, and during that time the Antiguan singer/songwriter has seen multiple genres come and go.

Never one for fads, Wenna stuck with the earthy reggae and world beat sounds he first listened to in the 1970s. They can be heard on Real Lite, his debut album, which was released early this year.

Wenna recorded the album last year in Manchester, north England, for an independent label that became known as the Wenna Project. Scouts ‘discovered’ him while he was ‘busking’ (street performing) in London.

Busking has been a popular form of exposure for folk and avante garde figures in Europe since the 19th century. Wenna said it taught him the importance of patience.

“It’s a very grounding experience to perform on street level. One hour you may be invisible, the next hour crowds of people have formed and you feel like a star for the day,” he told the Jamaica Observer. “The daily exposure to different people, moods, and environments enhance the creative process (and) you become the observer as well as the performer.”

Co-produced by Wenna and Steve Boyce Buckley, Real Lite contains the title track, Underground, African Train and Lose Your Illusions.

Its 10 songs blend music of artistes Wenna tuned in to since migrating from St Phillips in Antigua to the UK in the late 1960s, such as The Wailers, Fela Kuti, James Brown, Howling Wolf and John Coltrane.

The music his heroes made were produced and released mainly by independent companies who honoured their commitment to unfiltered music.

Wenna notes that while busking is somewhat similar, getting Real Lite out to as many fans is his priority.

“I’ve have never really fully thought about being on a non-commercial course. I know that as long as I can write, sing and perform that I am on the right course,” he said.

— Howard Campbell