ReggaeXclusive web dec2017 | Page 25

REGGAEXCLUSIVE SINGJAY / DEEJAY SPOTLIGHT DESI RANKS MESHA STEELE A B t a very young age, Desmond ‘Desi Ranks’ Maragh got involved in music. At the age of 12 he was the youngest selector on Aces International. Jimmy ‘Aces’ Winter, the owner of Aces International Disco which was the top sound system in Jamaica at the time of King Yellow Man, was business partner with his father, Mr. Reggie. They ran Luz Beach Club together in Port Morant, St. Thomas which gave Desi Ranks the privilege to be around King Yellow Man and Fathead and the dancehall scene. orn Mesha McGregor and now known as Mesha Steele. Mesha is who she is and Steele represents her strength and resilience. Mesha is a sultry songstress with a dynamic and captivating voice. From her very first notes, you immediately get the sense that you are listening to a singer who is very confident, experienced and definitely talented. Her influences range from Reggae and Soca to R&B and Jazz. Born in Belize to a family of singers and musicians, Migration came along in the 90’s Mesha was not short of role and Desi Ranks settled in models growing up. Hamilton ON Canada, where he Inevitability, Mesha along continued the music tradition as with her two older sisters one of the singers and owner of formed a group known as the 8 Man band, ‘Perfect Mix’. the M Girlz. As a main act in Things began to change for Belize, M Girlz also opened Desi Ranks when his daughter, for top Reggae artists who Felicia ‘Vonnii’ Maragh performed there such as per formed at the Coca Cola Roti Shabba Ranks, Lady Saw Festival in New Kingston, Jamaica alongside FAB 5 when she was 12. and Patra. Eventually, Mesha went solo after her sisters decided to ‘settle During this time he obtained a memorable moment at Margaritaville in down’. She has shared the stage with Byron Lee and The Dragonaires, Negril. While on vacation, the owner of a popular house band called Desi Square One, Percy Sledge and more. Ranks up to perform on stage. As anticipated, he rocked the beach with his In pursuit of her dreams Mesha migrated to New York City in 2000. She tunes. has performed in and throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Recently, Desi decided to make a next run at writing songs for a few years. Europe. She has shared the stage with artistes like Sizzla Kalonji, Beenie He built his own recording studio in 2008; 3Mirage Studio is located in Man, Damian Marley and many more. She toured with recording artistes Hamilton, ON. This gave him the opportunity to record any time of the day Gyptian, Spragga Benz, Warrior King and frequently performed with without limits. Whilst on vacation in Jamaica in 2014 he frequently visited Burning Spear and Everton Blender. Portmore where he met veteran artists which fell in love with his unique style and versatility which propelled him further. He currently is in #1 spot Mesha released several singles including an acoustic version of the late on the RDB Top 10 with Sir Rockwell’s “Oh Boy”, produced by The Musical Whitney Houston’s “Saving All My Love for You” and also the single Ambassador Trevor Elliott. With over 150 plus original songs recorded, 10 “Waking up with you”. She later recorded a reggae Christmas album brand new releases from Dancehall to Reggae, you will have a favourite. called “Christmas in Paradise”. As an artiste, songwriter, producer and engineer and with all his strength, As her musical journey continues, Mesha has managed to surround Desi pushes to be at the top with his unique style and positive attitude. In herself with a strong team, she is confident that she is in the right place his own words “I am addicted to music and I try to inspire all I come in at the right time. In the works is an album produced by Canada’s own contact with. I was there when it started and it will take me home.” Desi Indie Rootz Records and more. You can follow her on IG @meshasteele Ranks ‘will’ be there. and FB @Mesha Steele. PATCHA BLACKS T asjay Productions Recording Artiste Patcha Blacks is about to release a big song in 2018 entitled “Magnet to Steel”. Patcha is currently working on big things with the likes of Sly and Robbie, Delroy Phatta and many more. Delroy Pottinger of Kingston, Jamaica is working to release Patcha’s first album. Stay tuned for more. reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexclusive.com --- Phone: 416-519-0831 -- Email: [email protected] Pg - 25