Wayne Wonder
Dancehall and reggae provided a foundation for Jamaica-born singer Wayne Wonder (born Von Wayne Charles). But his later albums -- Schizophrenic and Da Vibe -- veered further and further toward hip-hop and rap. His collaborations include work with J'son from Soul for Real, Foxy Brown, and Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes from TLC. This resulted in even greater success for Wonder. Five tunes from Da Vibe were in rotation by commercial radio stations throughout the Caribbean.
Born in Franklin Town, a small village near Rae Town in eastern Jamaica, Wonder has been singing most of his life. His mother sang with the choir at the Galilee Gospel Church. Writing his first songs at the age of 13, Wonder launched his career when he accepted an invitation to perform every Wednesday night at Metro Media in Allman Town. Although he impressed Sly Dunbar during an audition at Sonic Sounds, Dunbar's commitment to touring with Black Uhuru prevented him from signing the young singer.
The turning point in Wonder's career came when he met influential producer and record company owner King Tubby. Under Tubby's direction, he recorded his first single, "Long and Lasting Love," in 1985. Tubby's premature death shortly afterward put a damper on Wonder's success. He recalled in a late-'90s interview, "In my bed one morning, I heard the news that they shot him in his yard. An' my head mash up 'cause this was the first producer who embrace me an' decide to work with me."
Although he recorded a few more singles with other producers at Sonic Sounds, Wonder continued to falter. Things began to improve after reconnecting with Dave Kelly, a primary-school friend who had become a much-respected recording engineer. Working together, Wonder and Kelly produced a long series of hit singles, including original songs such as "Saddest Day," "Talk About," "Live and Learn," "Excess Amount," "Glamour Girl," "Sweet and Sour," "Bashment Girl," "Rainbow," "Searching Dem Searching," and "Warm Jamaican Christmas" -- and covers of American pop tunes ("Fast Car" and "Anything for You").
Wonder played an important role in the success of Buju Banton, writing Banton's early hits "Murderer," "Deportee," and "Boom Bye Bye"; recording a duet ("Bonafide Love [Movie Star]"); and touring the world together. When Banton signed with United States-based Mercury Records, his decision to work as a soloist was a severe setback for Wonder. Attempting to resurrect his career, Wonder formed a band, Alias, with each musician performing under a pseudonym. Dave Kelly, for example, was known as the Stranger, Baby Cham became Herman, Frisco Kid became Bops, Frankie Sly became Jake Dem, and Wonder took the name Surprise. As an offshoot of Alias, the Entourage featured Demo Delgado and Showki-Ru and represented the only project in which Wonder played an instrument.
Wonder launched his own record label, Singso, in 2000. Wonder's career exploded globally in 2003 when his album No Holding Back and the single "No Letting Go" were released on major-label Atlantic. The smooth single dominated urban radio in America, and a slew of compilations featuring old Wonder tracks flooded the market. One of the best, Trojan's Inna Bashment Style, was released in 2005. He returned with a new album in 2007, when Foreva climbed into the Top Five on Billboard's Reggae Album chart. Five years later, after leaving the VP label and forming his own Singso imprint, My Way landed with guest appearances from Mya and Shaggy. The album also featured production from Stephen McGregor and the Miami-based team Riddim Fingaz.
© Craig Harris /TiVo
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God Bless You Baby
Dancehall - Paru chez Hills Music le 15 déc. 2017
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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She Wants More
Dancehall - Paru chez CASH FLOW RECORDS le 28 sept. 2011
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Way You Make Me Do
Reggae - Paru chez Pickout le 27 nov. 2022
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Fling It up (Too Tuff Riddim)
Dancehall - Paru chez Blackie Yaad Production LLC - Biig Worm Production - Nostrac Production Ltd le 28 janv. 2022
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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I'll Come Over (feat. E-Dee)
Dancehall - Paru chez Unseen Lab Recordings, Inc le 29 mai 2012
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Real Bad Boys
Reggae - Paru chez Blingnot Media le 17 mars 2015
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Mix It Down
Reggae - Paru chez Younger Generation Productions YGP le 17 mars 2023
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Rough Respect (Philip Smart Mix)
Dancehall - Paru chez Game On Lock Entertainment,Corp le 28 juin 2012
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Genuine
Ska & Rocksteady - Paru chez I.W.A.A.D. MUSIC LLC., le 28 avr. 2021
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Rough Respect (rub-a-dub-version)
Reggae - Paru chez Game On Lock Entertainment,Corp le 28 juin 2012
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Right Here Waiting
Reggae - Paru chez 24x7 Records - Keyzer Soze II le 22 avr. 2014
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -