by Howard Campbell
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Properly-spoken and low-key, Written doesn’t match the profile of artists hyped as the subsequent large factor in dancehall/reggae. With a debut album pending, in addition to an look in a mega Hollywood film, the singer is one to observe in 2024.
We Alright is the identify of his album, to be launched by Nah Ramp, a label owned by American music business veteran Gary “Dr. Dread” Himelfarb, founding father of RAS Information. Based mostly in Washington DC, that firm distributed albums by elite acts like Bunny Wailer, Gregory Isaacs, Tradition and Israel Vibration.
Written, who’s in his 30s, additionally performs Junior Braithwaite, an unique member of The Wailers, in Bob Marley: One Love, the Paramount Pictures movie scheduled for launch on February 14.
Whereas cautious of the excessive expectations for album and film, Written says his outlook has not modified.
“The plan is at all times to excel past the place we’re bodily, spiritually and mentally. However this yr we are literally trying to the lands past to unfold the message of affection by efficiency,” he instructed South Florida Caribbean Information.
Beforehand, the Kingston-born artist recorded songs for various producers in Jamaica, together with Bunny Wailer. The method was completely different engaged on an album for an abroad label.
“With this being my first album I’m very completely happy and keen to listen to how it will likely be obtained. It’s one thing I’ve at all times wished to do, and if you end up being supported by a legend like Dr. Dread who has labored with so many movers and shakers of the business, I can solely do my finest. However my finest is what we’ve grown accustomed to over time so I wasn’t nervous about that,” he mentioned.
Written, whose actual identify is Jason Wright, hails from Tavares Gardens, a rugged group also called Payne Land. It’s near Trench City, which was as soon as residence to a few of his musical heroes together with Wailer and Bob Marley.
Recording Profession
His recording profession started 5 years in the past, and has produced songs equivalent to Bear in mind December and Concern to Perceive (a collaboration with Alborosie). Briefly, he was a part of a Wailers tribute trio with Wailer’s son, Asadenaki, and Blvk H3ro.
Being in that group helped put together Written to play Braithwaite, a Trench City native who sang lead on the basic Wailers ballad, It Hurts to be Alone. He was murdered in Kingston, at age 40, in 1999.
Though he had no appearing expertise, Written was chosen to play Braithwaite. He downplays his minor function in what could also be one of many yr’s greatest films.
“I’ve by no means actually thought of what it might do for my profession apart from giving me the expertise in that subject, however I realized lots simply being round them (actors) and seeing how they work. Additionally I might undoubtedly like to do extra appearing, seeing how all the things was completed has peaked my curiosity,” he mentioned.
