KINGSTON, Jamaica — Cognisant of the fact that popular music is mostly youth and image driven, 52- year-old Emanuel Stain is optimistic that at his age, he can make the breakthrough that he craves.

He came close to making an impact in the late 1990s, when he recorded for producer Dave Kelly, however, that recording never saw the light of day.

“Dave Kelly was the hot producer back then when I recorded the song, Medicine.  At the time of that recording with Dave Kelly, the song never made it onto the compilation it was intended for — and to this day I don’t fully know the reason why. That was a moment that could have changed everything for me early on and not getting that break was a setback I had to find a way to move past. But everything happens in its time, and I’m still here, still creating and hoping to get that hit song,” Stain told Observer Online recently.

Asked why he has not been able to realise his full potential musically, Stain shared “I’ve always known what I’m capable of musically. The challenge has been the lack of support around me — whether that’s industry support, financial backing, or the right connections at the right time. Talent alone can only take you so far. Without the right team and infrastructure behind you, it’s an uphill road. But I never stopped believing in my gift,” he said while conceding that the industry is image driven compared to having musical talent.

“Image absolutely plays a major role, and I won’t pretend otherwise. You can have all the talent in the world, but if your image doesn’t connect with an audience, it becomes very difficult to break through. The reality is that image and talent have to work together. One without the other leaves you incomplete in this industry.”

Stain has been doing music professionally since 1992. It has been a journey of disappointments, but he still pushes on.

He recently released three songs Dis Year, Never Again and Remember to Praise Him, produced by Nah Give Up Production, Junavil Records and Crushdem Records respectively.

“I’m grateful for the partnerships and proud of what we’ve put together with each of those songs.  I bring good messages, positive vibes, and clean energy. My music is uplifting — it speaks to the spirit and to the soul. I also make it a point to support and nurture other talents along the way. Music, to me, is about building people up, not just building a career,” he reasoned.

Born Samuel Everton Williams in Clarendon, Emanuel Stain discovered his musical gift during his formative years at Old Harbour Primary and May Pen High schools.

He has performed at popular stage shows including Sting, Stars in Action and Rebel Salute.