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David Boomah Interview
RnB/Hip Hop | Wednesday 17th August 2011 | Osh
We catch up with reggae, dancehall, jungle singer/song writer sensation David Boomah as he talks vocals, life and his forthcoming album this summer.
So Mr Boomah hows it going?
It's going well sir. Just busy trying to keep on top of everything but enjoying life and appreciating the achievements and the challenges that are presented.
Historically large parts of jungle music have been influenced by reggae, dub and dancehall vocals. Where would you say your journey really began within this genre?
My journey and relationship with jungle music began 18 years ago in 1993 when I used to hang out with UK Apachi, at the time jungle was on the rise and Shy FX had recently released a track called ‘Gangsta Kid’. Apachi heard the track and loved it, he told our manager he wanted to put his vocals on there so our manager got in touch with Shy's manager and arranged it and ‘Original Nuttah’ was created. I met Shy at this time and he asked me to put some vocals on a track he was making....that track was ‘Who Run Tings’ my first no 1 in 1995.
As a singer/songwriter you no doubt have had some solid inspirations throughout your career but which jungle artists in particular have influenced or spurred you on that extra yard?
Well to be honest my presence in the scene has been a bit sporadic so I have missed some great artists along the way but some artists that have really influenced or supported me as an artist are Potential Bad Boy, Codebreaker, Navigator, Benny Page, Aries, Remarc, Liondub, Tenor Fly, Topcat, Congo Natty, Ruffstuff and my label managers Bryan G and Jumping Jack Frost.
2011 has already seen a very busy schedule for you, how have you found time to work on your forthcoming album this summer?
I don't know to be honest ..it's been a hectic 12 months, I have been linking up with a wide range of producers and writing and recording new songs. I have been performing across Europe and the UK amongst the normal everyday activities so right now I am really tired but I wouldn't change it for anything!
What are the five things you can't live without?
I can't live without God, my family, a shower, without thinking about the impact of my actions and obviously I can't live without music!
You were born in Birmingham but raised in St Catherine, Jamaica until your late teens. Can you remember any funny musical experiences from your upbringing that may have helped you as an artist?
I can tell you a funny story, I had my first paid gig in Jamaica when I was about 17 years old. I was living with my grandmother at the time and I told her that I had a gig, but she wouldn't let me go! I was angry and upset and in the end I decided to go, anyway the next morning I got home and my grandmother thrown all my clothes out onto the front garden because I dared to defy her...it was a good dance though!!!
Five years from now David Boomah will be….
Happy, healthy and in a position to help others reach their full potential.
A lot of the pinnacle tracks like 'On The Run' and 'Who Run Tings' have been somewhat trademark tunes in jungle music. But tell us what recent or forthcoming tracks of yours we should be looking out for?
The last set of releases have had some great reviews though ‘Respect The Champion’ with Benny Page, ‘Nice Up The Dance’ with Marcus Visionary, ‘Hot Girlz’ (Potential Badboy Remix) and Marcus Garvey with Congo Natty. I have some great new tracks on the way as well ‘Bad Up The Town’ with DJ Sly out this month on Higher Stakes and my forthcoming 12" on V Records with Serum and Von D.
We are already hearing your forthcoming album is aiming to stretch the musical boundaries and give more of an insight into your versatility. So can we have a sneak taster into what this compilation will showcase?
The album will comprise of reggae/dancehall, dubstep and of course drum and bass and jungle!!! It will feature a range of producers from all three genres with a couple of surprises and lots of featured guests artists.
Having performed all over the UK and Europe with some of the biggest names in reggae and drum and bass can you expand on any of your more enjoyable experiences whilst performing?
I have a great time when I'm on stage and I love interacting with the audience hearing hundreds of people from Lithuania sing along with me was a highlight for me this year. Also performing to thousands of people in Madrid with the legends that are Congo Natty, Tenor Fly, Daddy Freddy and Codebreaker last year was also a massive buzz.. I always try to convey a positive message when I perform so its great when people take time to listen and grasp something. Even if it is a little snippet of information from the performance, I want to make people think about the world around them and still have a good time.
For more information check out www.myspace.com/davidboomah
Nyon Bond
It's going well sir. Just busy trying to keep on top of everything but enjoying life and appreciating the achievements and the challenges that are presented.
Historically large parts of jungle music have been influenced by reggae, dub and dancehall vocals. Where would you say your journey really began within this genre?
My journey and relationship with jungle music began 18 years ago in 1993 when I used to hang out with UK Apachi, at the time jungle was on the rise and Shy FX had recently released a track called ‘Gangsta Kid’. Apachi heard the track and loved it, he told our manager he wanted to put his vocals on there so our manager got in touch with Shy's manager and arranged it and ‘Original Nuttah’ was created. I met Shy at this time and he asked me to put some vocals on a track he was making....that track was ‘Who Run Tings’ my first no 1 in 1995.
As a singer/songwriter you no doubt have had some solid inspirations throughout your career but which jungle artists in particular have influenced or spurred you on that extra yard?
Well to be honest my presence in the scene has been a bit sporadic so I have missed some great artists along the way but some artists that have really influenced or supported me as an artist are Potential Bad Boy, Codebreaker, Navigator, Benny Page, Aries, Remarc, Liondub, Tenor Fly, Topcat, Congo Natty, Ruffstuff and my label managers Bryan G and Jumping Jack Frost.
2011 has already seen a very busy schedule for you, how have you found time to work on your forthcoming album this summer?
I don't know to be honest ..it's been a hectic 12 months, I have been linking up with a wide range of producers and writing and recording new songs. I have been performing across Europe and the UK amongst the normal everyday activities so right now I am really tired but I wouldn't change it for anything!
What are the five things you can't live without?
I can't live without God, my family, a shower, without thinking about the impact of my actions and obviously I can't live without music!
You were born in Birmingham but raised in St Catherine, Jamaica until your late teens. Can you remember any funny musical experiences from your upbringing that may have helped you as an artist?
I can tell you a funny story, I had my first paid gig in Jamaica when I was about 17 years old. I was living with my grandmother at the time and I told her that I had a gig, but she wouldn't let me go! I was angry and upset and in the end I decided to go, anyway the next morning I got home and my grandmother thrown all my clothes out onto the front garden because I dared to defy her...it was a good dance though!!!
Five years from now David Boomah will be….
Happy, healthy and in a position to help others reach their full potential.
A lot of the pinnacle tracks like 'On The Run' and 'Who Run Tings' have been somewhat trademark tunes in jungle music. But tell us what recent or forthcoming tracks of yours we should be looking out for?
The last set of releases have had some great reviews though ‘Respect The Champion’ with Benny Page, ‘Nice Up The Dance’ with Marcus Visionary, ‘Hot Girlz’ (Potential Badboy Remix) and Marcus Garvey with Congo Natty. I have some great new tracks on the way as well ‘Bad Up The Town’ with DJ Sly out this month on Higher Stakes and my forthcoming 12" on V Records with Serum and Von D.
We are already hearing your forthcoming album is aiming to stretch the musical boundaries and give more of an insight into your versatility. So can we have a sneak taster into what this compilation will showcase?
The album will comprise of reggae/dancehall, dubstep and of course drum and bass and jungle!!! It will feature a range of producers from all three genres with a couple of surprises and lots of featured guests artists.
Having performed all over the UK and Europe with some of the biggest names in reggae and drum and bass can you expand on any of your more enjoyable experiences whilst performing?
I have a great time when I'm on stage and I love interacting with the audience hearing hundreds of people from Lithuania sing along with me was a highlight for me this year. Also performing to thousands of people in Madrid with the legends that are Congo Natty, Tenor Fly, Daddy Freddy and Codebreaker last year was also a massive buzz.. I always try to convey a positive message when I perform so its great when people take time to listen and grasp something. Even if it is a little snippet of information from the performance, I want to make people think about the world around them and still have a good time.
For more information check out www.myspace.com/davidboomah
Nyon Bond
