Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Searching for his path in Jamaican music, UK artiste Dolamite 'the seeker' is on the verge of big career movements.

Born of Jamaica parentage, Dolamite has always been influenced by the sounds of his parents' homeland. Having grown up on the tough streets of Stonebridge and Harlesden estate in the United Kingdom, Dolamite was determined to use music to overcome the violence of his environment.

first buss

His first venture into entertainment came when he and his cousin, 'Chuckie Starr', performed for their community, emceeing together on sound systems. Dolamite told the STAR: "My love of music came from being involved in sound system from age 12 and writing and performing lyrics at local venues on local sounds, following and being inspired by what was happening in Jamaica, with the whole reggae scene and culture. My first buss was a tune I voiced when I was 16 years old, called Dolly Bird Girl. at that age, I was very mature and had a deep voice."

Suncycle

Dolamite moved on to founding Suncycle, a premier dancehall group, which became one of the hottest underground acts. The group worked with acts such as pop band Texas, Asher D, Elephant Man, Capleton, Sizzla, Spragga Benz , Busy Signal and various other Jamaican dancehall acts. After a successful stint with the group, Dolamite departed, finding another calling in life.

conscious music

"after I left Suncycle, other members went on to pursue solo careers. I then felt I was at a stage in my life where I had a lot of things to say on some real topics and wanted to express them in my music. So, I knew then it was time to pursue my solo career also. I hooked up with a musician friend, 'dutty Jon', and formed a company, Radioplay, and started to write a lot of melodic conscious-type music and lyrics."

After a three-year absence from Jamaica, Dolamite recently returned to the island to work with some of the hottest artistes and producers around. Two of those artistes being Serani and Mavado, who have also voiced on rhythms produced by Dolamite. Since then, Dolamite has been busy working on tracks such as Found Myself, Play With Your Mind , Loving Somebody and Workaholic.

real-life scenarios

By next year, Dolamite expects to release his debut solo album, which he describes, saying: "It will be full of guitar-based tracks with some nice mellow beats under them. It will have pure conscious lyrics of upliftment and awareness and real-life scenarios. There will also be collaborations with Mavado, Serani, Queen Ifrica and a Suncycle artiste."

Being able to affect persons through his music is the best part, of being an artiste for Dolamite. In the future, Dolamite sees his journey leading him to become a respected artiste and producer.