ReggaeXclusive Summer 2018 | Page 18

NORRISMAN

Born and raised in the notorious

Trenchtown and Arnett Gardens area of Kingston , Jamaica , Christopher Campbell , now known as Norrisman had Bob Marley as a hometown hero to inspire his immersion into the musical arena . As a young boy Norrisman ( named because of his enthusiasm for karate king Chuck Norris ) would sit under a tree to write his own songs of redemption . Feeling music within him , Norrisman could not ignore his gift of singing and performing . In the Kingston dancehalls of his youth , older sound boys would hoist ten year old Norrisman on top of a Guiness box and hand him the mic to stir up the dance . Such experiences lit the musical fire for this ghetto youth . From there his musical journey began .
As he matured , Norrisman gained the respect of Sound Systems throughout the city with his unique toasting and singing style . By age 22 , he began recording songs in some of Kingstons most reputable recording studios such as Black Scorpio , Leggo , and Celestial Sounds Studio . By the midnineties , Norrisman found himself fully committed to his faith as a Rastafarian , wherein he experienced a shift in his consciousness to a higher spiritual and musical level . He created lyrical content that became more potent , more socially uplifting , and more meaningful . With this devotion , he recorded “ Love and Affection ” at Buju Banton ’ s Cellblock studio . From there , Norrisman went on to Celestial Sounds Studio to record “ Congo Shanty ” and “ Ever-living Soul ” at which time he met some of his most prolific producers to date : Iley Dread of Kings of Kings , Richard “ Bello ” Bell of Star Trail Records and Colin McGregor of Jah Scout Records . During this period , Norrisman , with the assistance of Cordel “ Skatta ” Burrell ’ s golden touch on the mixing board , recorded his groundbreaking songs : “ Persistence ”, “ Hold Onto Your Faith ”, and “ Bad Road ” all on the “ Persistence ” album . At Sting 98 ( Jamaicas biggest dancehall show ) Norrisman performed “ Persistence ”, his biggest hit in the dancehall market so far . Likewise , the songs “ Hold Onto Your Faith ” and “ Bad Road ” are revered as reggae anthems .
Norrisman was off the music scene for awhile . He is now currently in studios working on some new tracks . His newest song is entitled “ Wicked Ones ” on Knatural Entertainment . Look out for more new production from Norrisman . For bookings contact Ajang Music Production at : 1 ( 876 ) 941-1193 .
AND THE JUNO GOES TO KIRK DIAMOND

2018 JUNO Award

Winner Kirk Diamond was born in Spanish Town Jamaica , and migrated to Canada at a young age . Kirk was exposed to various genres of music from his father and uncle who both spun and played records on a sound system in the 1980s which is arguably the heyday of the Jamaican dancehall scene . Kirk always had a passion for music , however it wasn ’ t until 2007 when Kirk joined a friend who started a dance group , and along with another member brought the musical element to the act . As he fondly recalls “ Dancing to another ’ s music was great , dancing to your own is even greater ”
From there Kirk perfected and honed his craft by spending countless hours in studio writing and recording while learning the ins and outs of this sometimes harsh business . Gaining popularity and awards in Canada , Kirk understood the importance of his island vibes , and has been building an impressive and extensive discography by working and recording with various notable producers in Jamaica . In 2015 Kirk Diamond was featured on CBC Music ‘ 10 Canadian Reggae Artists You Need To Hear ’ and nominated for a JUNO Award for Best Reggae Recording for his single “ Love Inna We Heart ” produced by French-based Galang Records . The nostalgic ode to the 90 ’ s has become a worldwide success steadily climbing various international charts such as the popular Canadian Reggae Chart heard on Rebel Vibez where it held the # 1 spot and charted for over 19 weeks .
In the Spring of 2017 Kirk released his debut EP “ Greater ”. The song entered the Canadian Reggae Charts at # 10 on February 27th , 2017 . Hitting # 1 November 6th , 2017 and running 6 weeks consecutive with a total of 42 weeks on the chart . This song would gift him with his second Juno award nomination ( Reggae Recording of the Year ) and subsequent win almost a full year after the song ’ s journey through the public sphere . Kirk Diamond remains committed to creating great music , music that will stand the test of time . Currently his endorsement with Bacardi is still running in Germany . Follow @ KirkDiamond on Instagram for his tour schedule this summer .
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