A formally-trained musician, singer Vassell Meka takes a hands-on approach to music production. It was no different for Wrapped Up, his latest song, which he produced and co-wrote with his wife Desiree.

Released in late November, the mid-tempo ballad is a throwback to 1980s lovers rock. Vassell Meka also played drums, bass guitar and keyboards on Wrapped Up.

“The sound I prefer is a modern reggae sound blended with foundation sounds, but with a brighter texture,” he told Observer Online.

Although he has been in the music business for some time, Wrapped Up is only Vassell Meka’s fifth released song. Produced by his Legacy Mekas Music label, it is expected to be on the Connecticut-based artiste’s first album, expected to be released in 2024.

Good Vibes, Troddin, Amendment Op and Flowers in My Garden, his previous songs, are also projected for that set which Vassell Meka will produce.

A graduate of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, he points out that being formally-trained is an asset for the artiste/musician.

“The advantage is that it teaches me structure and how to properly make the music meaningful. Also, I’ve studied even after my tertiary tenure. Because of the formal education I was able to study the business of music and be able to not only create a label for myself but for others to benefit from and teach them to maintain ownership of their music,” he said.

Since launching Legacy Mekas Music in 2018, Vassell Meka has worked with several acts such as Chiliguys, New Awtical Band, Minori and Caleb Hart.

Howard Campbell