Paycus sets sight on youth
Reggae singer Paycus is looking to showcase several up-and-coming artistes on his newest album.
“At the moment, I’m trying to bring new talent into the world. The songs currently out there aren’t really about culture and not many people are not providing opportunities for the young artistes like Bob Marley used to do,” he told Jamaica Observer.
The 12-track project titled Floss Di Energy was officially released on December 16 on the artiste’s website. It becomes available on all digital platforms as of January 4, 2020. It was self-produced on his Dave Records imprint.
Up-and-coming artistes featured on Paycus’s independently produced album include Mavis, Kahlahsilah, Rookie, Hiyah Rems and Basil Heights.
The singer said he hopes to spread positivity with the set.
“The whole album is about spreading good energy; just spreading love and positivity and to give encouragement to people. That was the whole inspiration behind it and that is what we want to achieve from it,” he said.
The 43-year-old, whose given name is Andrew Bancey hails from Sharper Lane in Old Harbour, St Catherine, but migrated to London in 1999. When he just moved, he explained that he used music to fill the gap of unemployment.
“You know when you just move and you’re waiting to get a stable job, that’s when I decided to start playing around with music. I didn’t start taking it seriously until about 2014,” he said.
He released his first album in 2015 called I’m So Free and a seven-track EP in 2017 titled Two Face People. Both were also produced by him.
Paycus has been travelling between London and Jamaica promoting his music. He, however, said he faces difficulty with trying to land local gigs.
“The other day, for example, I was at the Tarrus Riley concert and I really wanted to perform but true mi never meet them before, I didn’t really know how to approach them,” he explained.
Paycus has had gigs in Belgium, Amsterdam, France and Ireland, but he hopes to make it to huge international stages within five years.
“I want to be in America or Africa in the next five years…anywhere at all in the world, performing in front of big crowds,” he said.