From every corner of Barbados during the previous year, one could not go anywhere without hearing the infectious and groovy songs of Antonio Johnson; better known by his stage name, Jus D.

The 2018 season of Crop Over was a big one for the local Soca artist. ‘Manager’, ‘Only thing She Knows’ and ‘Hole’ formed the trifecta of tracks that held most of the airwaves in check as every resident on the island heard a piece of what Jus D was bringing to the soca arena.

Jus D, who is a writer, producer and singer is no strange to the musical scene here on the island; for he has written for many of the local acts and regional performers such as the conscious Soca singer Teddyson John and Mr. Fete himself, Machel Montano.

It was hard to escape the tide of energy emanating from the young artiste last year, and this year promises to be a full-blown inferno of energy from the young man. His stage presence and artistic talents opened up the door for him to perform at ‘Gimme Soca’, ‘Soca on the Hill’ and ‘Phenomenal Fridays’ here in Barbados. He then followed up with overseas gigs in Boston, Miami and Rochester in the US.

The Name Jus D and the message of ‘Manager’ spread beyond the shores of Barbados. In an interview by Billboard (the America entertainment magazine), local DJ Jon Doe, when asked about his thoughts on some of the summer’s hit singles said in talking about ‘Manager’: “ It developed into an anthem for the ladies, because of the song’s message: ‘Raise your hand if you don’t need a manager / You only need a man who can manage you.’ Women latched on quickly, and from there it blew up. We all know that usually, if the ladies catch on, the fellas aren’t too far behind.”

Recently, the singer had a chance to sit down with us here at CEH, and give us a brief insight on what his fans can expect from him in the future and what general rehearsals are like for him during this busy period: “My fans /supporters can definitely expect more quality music coming out in 2019, a few collabs and different fusions… I don’t rehearse at all to be honest, every day I’m either producing a new track for myself or someone or writing one so by cutting demos (singing them) that’s my rehearsals, the only other rehearsals are when I have a show to do.”

Clearly, 2018 was a successful year for Jus D, but how does the young performer stay grounded and true to himself? Well the answer for him was a simple one: “The main thing I’ve learnt is to be myself. There is enough space for me to fit in, I don’t have to try to be anyone else but me. Also stay humble but real at the same time.”

As far Crop Over 2019, the groovy Soca singer promises to be in full swing for the festival, with infectious tunes and electric performances being planned to be delivered to his fans, and soca aficionados alike.

1. Hole Jus D 0:45

2. Manager Jus D 0:45

3. Only Thing She Know Jus D 0:45

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