Crawba Genius pushes Reggae Alive
Producer finds balance between up-and-coming, established acts on new rhythm
Producer Jermaine Henry, more popularly known as Crawba Genius, has returned to his reggae roots for his latest project.
According to the creative, the 10-track compilation, dubbed Reggae Alive, holds a very special place in his heart as it showcases his ability to bring established acts and up-and-coming artistes together seamlessly.
“I feel like I was ordained to do reggae, because it was a big part of my initial stages in music. It was the first type of rhythms I produced when I started out and so, to be honest, reggae holds a very special place in my heart,” he said. “The project also shows that I am one of those producers who will voice young artistes alongside established acts to give them a much-needed platform and, at the end of the day, that’s what reggae music does: It allows artistes to have their voices heard.”
Crawba Genius, acknowledging that getting named acts to voice on projects with young artistes can prove challenging sometimes, revealed he had no issues convincing the artistes to voice on Reggae Alive. He said all the artistes immediately fell in love with the rhythm and easily came up with suitable tracks.
“It wasn’t an issue getting the artistes on… I think the project hit differently and artistes fell in love with it so they didn’t struggle. Dem literally find a song almost instant,” he said. “[In] producing music, especially when doing a compilation, balance is important. I always think about striking the right balance between up-and-coming acts and established artistes… [E]very established artiste was once a young artiste hoping for a shot, and so I love creating an avenue to give someone else the opportunity to establish themselves.”
Busy Signal, T.O.K, Warrior King, Anthony B, Gyptian, and Yaksta are among the more popular acts on the project. Ayetian, Annaleax and Zaila Jazz are some of the up-and-coming acts on Reggae Alive.
Crawba Genius has high hopes for the rhythm.
“I am sure this project is going to do well. It just release a few weeks ago, and it already got a couple of #1 spots in different countries on iTunes, so that’s a sign. Reggae is alive and kicking and the youths doing their thing and representing well,” he said. “They are waving the flag and repping the culture and doing strong music. Music is in safe hands.”
