Singjay Michael “I-Chie” Ellis says he was inspired to get involved in music through his father, a roots singer who became popular alongside some of dancehall’s big names during the 1990s.

He recently released the song Shalla Lala La which is produced by DJ Goffe Productions.

“I just want to be unique and different when it comes to doing things professionally. I want my music to appeal to everyone regardless of the type of rhythm I choose to record on,” said I-Chie.

Recording professionally since 2011, he has worked with a number of labels including MGZ Records and Mama Africa Records.

I-Chie’s father, Vincent Ellis, developed his craft on the Destiny Outanational sound system in Manchester as Levan Culture.

“My inspiration to do music was my father because he was an old- school artiste who used to sing with Garnet Silk and Tony Rebel in Manchester on a ‘sound’,” he explained.

The 34-year-old I-Chie found a love for music while attending Thompson Town High School in Manchester. Later, he entered the popular Digicel Rising Stars and Magnum King of the Dancehall talent competitions.

“I entered those competitions with the aim of building my confidence and to develop my stage craft,” he said. “I didn’t make it to the television rounds but I got the experience I needed to grow as an artiste.”

— Kevin Jackson