Whether it be romance, global issues or uprooting social unjust, the poetic singer and songwriter Duane Stephenson challenges the mind while tugging at the heartstrings with his music. Duane Stephenson was born in Kingston where he grew up in a little town called August Town that was widely known for being violent. Duane attended Tivoli Gardens High School which is in an inner-city community where he was a member of the choir. Therefore, it was no surprise when he released his first album titled ‘From August Town’, on Cannon/VP Records in 2008. The album featured songs such as ‘Real Ghetto Pain’ and ‘August town’ which spoke to his experiences while growing up in the ghetto.

The reggae revolutionist showed his versatility on this album by adding his romantic touch with songs such as ‘Cottage in Negril’ and ‘Fool For You’ where he showcased his vocals talents while contrasting his musical talents and experiences. Both songs, written in reflective tones spoke about romantic escapades and losing and finding love.

Duane Stephenson’s second album ‘Black Gold’ which was released in 2010 on VP Records peaked at #1 on the Jamaica Music Countdown. The album was also nominated for the 2010 Album of the Year at Jamaica’s EME (Excellence in Music & Entertainment) Awards. In 2014 the reggae artiste released his third album ‘Dangerously Roots’ which was critical and popularly acclaim. Duane has worked with producers such as Dean Fraser his musical mentors, and a legendary Jamaican saxophonist and Handel Tucker who produced hits for Maxi Priest, Diana King, Shaggy, and The Fugees. Duane Stephenson also toured North, South and Central America and parts of Europe.

As part of his humanitarian work to raise awareness on the need for more action in addressing the issue of world hunger, Duane Stephenson collaborated with legendary musicians The Wailers to write ‘A step for mankind’ which was done in benefit of the United Nations World Food Programme. In October 2010 Duane was invited by the World Food Programme to honor Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at The George McGovern Leadership Award Ceremony. Stephenson believed that the work he was doing was all to serve a greater purpose and found pleasure in working to make the world a better place.

Duane Stephenson is not only leading by example with the quality of his music and lyrics but also by his humanitarian work for he lives the words he penned in ‘August Town’:

“A word from the wise, don’t try to make life on your own…You can change the world today.”

1. August Town Duane Stephenson 0:46

2. Fool For You Duane Stephenson 0:45

3. Cottage In Negril Duane Stephenson 0:45

4. Rescue Me Duane Stephenson 0:45

5. Dance For Me Duane Stephenson 0:45

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Links and references

https://jamaicansmusic.com/artist/Duane_Stephenson
https://www.reggaeville.com/artist-details/duane-stephenson/about/
http://duanestephensonreggae.com/

Image courtesy Duane Stephenson Instagram Account

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