I-WAYNE

By Shilo

Finally...lyrically uplifting tunes from an array of Reggae artists, determined to bring about a change are getting the recognition they deserve. Of course there have always been spiritual tunes in the dancehalls and on the air, but recently it's apparent that a revolution has begun. The righteous flag is waving and there is nothing anyone can do to stop it. With cultural artists such as Luciano, Richie Spice, Chuck Fenda and Natty King now being extra hot Reggae commodities, this change is more than welcome.

The first time I heard Can't Satisfy Her and Bleacher...I fell in love with them instantly. I immediately went searching for anything I could find on the artist. I-Wayne? Who was I-Wayne? Here was a man...a young man...showing genuine concern about how our race was living. Especially the sistas. I had to meet and speak with this artist. For a young man to have such deep spirituality, and the ability to compose songs and retain them to memory without writing them down is a gift. He is obviously delivering a message...how else could he do it so effortlessly?

But...did I-Wayne just suddenly appear? Not from what I was told. He has been active in this industry since 1995. Remarkably, Can't Satisfy Her is not his first release. Living In Love, a song that is burning hot like lava on the airwaves, was actually out prior to the track that has become the 2K4 chart topper for I-Wayne. If personality and humility means anything in this industry, then I-Wayne is already platinum.

I watched and listened as I-Wayne performed to overwhelming response at Club Amazura recently. From the moment he touched the microphone, he had command of the building and its occupants. I watched him again recently in a more relaxed atmosphere at the studio, and I was again amazed. (Not many things amaze me, so you can just imagine). He did everything in one take. It's as if he was born inside of a studio with headphones attached to his head. His voice is beautiful, and the ability to hit those high notes left me speechless. A beautiful voice, conscious lyrics, humble presence, and a slew of number one hits...who can stop I-Wayne?

With major shows lined up all over the US and the world, I-Wayne's fans will have a lot of opportunities to watch their artist perform live. And, look to the first quarter of 2K5... Can't Satisfy Her I-Wayne's debut album will be on the record store shelves. I have no doubt we'll be satisfied.