Recording artiste and principal of Da Mekanix music label Tristan Rayon Nelson is pleased with the feedback of his single

Sugar Cane, which he says is a local twist on Afrobeat.

“The groove that I have developed over the years has stemmed from me constantly learning music by theory and by ear, as well as the different cultures of music and the production culture of music. This song is inspired by the upbeat vibe of Afrobeat, from a Jamaican angle, which people are able to relate to,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Sugar Cane was distributed by VPAL Music on May 10.

The St Thomas native said the connection with VP Records/VPAL Music was made through other artistes with whom he is affiliated.

The single also makes reference to the late Robbie Shakespeare, who Nelson said he admired and was hoping would’ve been a part of the project. Fortunately, he is working on another project that will feature Shakespeare’s other half, Sly Dunbar, on drums.

Meanwhile, Nelson reasoned that the shift in reggae and dancehall is due to a lack of accessibility by up-and-coming acts to the seasoned artistes.

“I think it’s mainly because of the generational gap between the current artistes and the ones that were before us. A lot of talent isn’t being nurtured to realign focus towards authentic Jamaican music… many people who are doing music now don’t have access to those who possess knowledge,” he said.

While he hopes to collaborate with Sean Paul, Shaggy, Shenseea, Beres Hammond, and Spice, Nelson is imploring other emerging talents not to take any shortcuts as they aim for stardom.

“Harness your craft and take the long road in perfecting it. The side of your craft that is missing will come and haunt you one day, so, you have to polish all sides; from the performance, to the notes, to the lyrics,” Nelson told the Observer.