This is the third in a 10-part series highlighting the efforts and contributions of up-and-coming as well as established sound system selectors across the island. Today we shine the spotlight on 30-year-old Guys Hill, St Catherine resident DJ Navis Bomb, who has been making a name with Swatch International.

Kevin Jackson: How did you come by the name Navis Bomb?

DJ Navis Bomb: My real name is Nevis Gavin Webley. When growing up I never had a pet name; when I was in high school I gave a lot a trouble so they started calling me a Novice, hence “Navis”. I just run with the name Navis. So after, I started to par with a female artiste by the name Black Queen. She used to keep an event on Sundays called Party Sunday. She heard me play and started calling me Navis Bomb and the name stuck.

KJ: How did you get into being a selector, and when and where was your first gig?

DJ Navis Bomb: I just had a deep appreciation for music from a tender age and a sound system was in my community by the name of Black Audio; that is where it all started from (Big Father Donald). My first big gig was a wedding reception in the Linstead area.

KJ: How do you prepare for an upcoming gig?

DJ Navis Bomb: Always get new music in my computer and organise my ‘serato crates’ so when I touch the road, I am fully loaded.

KJ: If you weren’t a selector, what would you be doing as a profession?

DJ Navis Bomb: I would be in the JCF (Jamaica Constabulary Force). I even did my medical, then my mom passed and I had to choose music.

KJ: What is your take on the current state of Jamaican music?

DJ Navis Bomb: It is not in a good state because, for some reason, it feels as if there is a fight against our music in our own country.

KJ: What are your top-five hottest songs at the moment?

DJ Navis Bomb: My top-five songs are: Spice — Cool It Down; Vybz Kartel — Come Home; Masicka — Stay Strong; Tommy Lee Sparta — Blessings; and Teejay — Owna Lane.

KJ: What do you think about the crime and violence in Jamaica and what solutions would you offer?

DJ Navis Bomb: Provision of more opportunities for youths to get jobs to earn a skill. The music cannot always be the root problem, it starts in homes and communities where persons are not educated and have no way of caring for their families. It’s a social problem that requires social change.

KJ: Reggae is 50 years old. Earlier this year, the government recognised some of the artistes and persons who have been instrumental in the music over the years. What else do you think the government can do to commemorate the milestone?

DJ Navis Bomb: Documentation and highlighting of our music. Also finding ways of ensuring the youth of our nation know where our music is coming from and all who played a part in building this rich legacy. Maybe even some form of gifts for artistes who played major roles in building the music and who are now impoverished.

KJ: Was there any inspiration for you to get into being a selector?

DJ Navis Bomb: My inspiration was listening to the giants like Ricky Trooper, Tony Matterhorn, Fire Links, Squingy, and Little Richie.

KJ: The Kingston & St Andrew Municipal Corporation has stopped issuing permits for dances and events to be held in parking lots that they own. What do you think about this move and what suggestions would you offer?

DJ Navis Bomb: I think this is a step back in the music movement as there are little or no locations to keep an event. Parking lots are ideal as they are in mostly Corporate Areas, far away from residential housing. I don’t support the move and it’s negative for growth of reggae and dancehall. Dancehall/Reggae events are one of the biggest income earners for this country.

KJ: What advice would you give to up-and-coming selectors?

DJ Navis Bomb: I would tell them just stay focused and do it for the love.