The motivation to groom and work with new artists can be a challenging task.  Cameron of Black Roots Management is taking up this task.   He is described as a patient and motivated individual by those who know him.  With hidden talents like song writing added to his resume.  Cameron is poised to change the way Soca music is marketed and distributed.  We also had the opportunity to speak with Jamesy P and artist Ragga who added insight to the Black Roots mission.

 

 

DancehallSoca.com: Tell us how Black Roots Promotions was formed and developed.

 

Cameron: I was driving from Boston and the idea came to me while in Connecticut.  In Connecticut, there was a place called Black Rose.  I made the decision then to call the company Black Roots.  I wanted to focus on Caribbean music and assist artist to get their music out to the public.

 

DancehallSoca.com: Who encouraged you to do this?

 

Cameron: Ragga and Jamesy P.

 

DancehallSoca.com: What is your most difficult task in promoting this music?

 

Cameron: Getting the music played.  DJ’s are on the bandwagon.  They play whatever other DJ’s are playing.  It is important that they have a independent play list and give other artist a break.

 

DancehallSoca: Did you find that you had to use other means to push the music out to the public?

 

Cameron: I decided to push the music abroad, beyond New York City.  I also worked with different websites like Trini Jungle Juice, DancehallSoca, Toronto Lime, and Island Mix.

 

DancehallSoca.com: Cameron where is your roots in the Caribbean?

 

Cameron: Born in Kingstown in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.  I was raised in New Grounds.  I grew up in a musical family.  My aunt sung in choir and uncle played in a band.

 

DancehallSoca.com: Cameron, you are focused on the artist and their development. 

 

Cameron: Yes, I want the focus to be on the artist.  The artist is passionate about their music.  I want to be a part of bringing Caribbean artist to the masses.

 

DancehallSoca.com: Ragga you are one of the artist who work with Black Roots.  How did you meet Cameron?

 

Ragga: He tried to book me for a show.  I was already booked, but we kept in contact.   I invited him to my house, even though very few people know where I live.  We brainstormed about Black Roots.  I loved the idea, and encouraged it and the rest is history.

 

DancehallSoca.com: Where did the unique name of Ragga come from?

 

Ragga: I use to sing Reggae and toured with Red Rat and Mr Easy.  The mixture of Reggae and Soca give you Ragga.

 

DancehallSoca.com: You are also working with Otis Music. Describe that relationship.

 

Ragga: Yeah, Otis Music is a Caribbean Record label.  We do work together.  They produced hits like “Right up in deh.”

 

DancehallSoca.com: Your new Reggae release was dedicated to your mother. 

 

Ragga:  While doing a show I learned that my mother passed away in Trinidad.  After that I would sing the song as a tribute to my mother.  The people would always ask me when the song was coming out. I decided to record it after the audience response.

 

DancehallSoca.com: Was your mother also into music?

 

Ragga: Yes, she was a musician.  She was on Ras Shorty I first album.  She is also featured on his video, when he described how to build a Soca tune.

 

DancehallSoca.com: That is history!

 

Ragga: Definitely

 

DancehallSoca.com: Cameron, you are working with a variety of artist.  What do you feel is important to grooming an artist?

 

Cameron: Image is everything.  It is important how you carry yourself.  I also like the artist to see how much work they have to put in.

 

DancehallSoca.com: What are your other talents?

 

Cameron: I developed writing in High School. I continue to write and assist with structuring songs while I am in the studio.

 

DancehallSoca.com: How did you and Jamesy P meet?

 

Cameron: Jamesy P is my cousin.

 

DancehallSoca.com: Jamesy P, how did you start with the music?

 

Jamesy P: Back in 1993, I started out in Tortola.  I work with some guys from Jamaica, Daddy Juicy and Pinchie P.  While working for them, I decided one day to do my own music.  The crowd received me well and it started there.

 

DancehallSoca.com: Ok

 

Jamesy P: In 1997, I went to Jamaica and recorded at Tuff Gong.  My name also started to spread on the regional level. 

 

DancehallSoca.com: Do you remember the first tune you recorded?

 

Yeah definitely, it was a track call “see me trial” [Laughs] it was my first radio hit in Tortola.  It was a song about me complaining about my girl who keep watching soap opera and wouldn’t cook me a little dumpling and yam.  It was fictional and people love the humor.

 

DancehallSoca.com: You seem to always have humor in your songs.

 

Jamesy P: I like to see the people with a smile on their face.  I like the fun and humor.  It is a part of my personality.

 

DancehallSoca.com: What do you all have to say about content in the music?

 

Cameron: Good Content in a song is important.  I am one of the biggest critics.  I listen to some songs where they start off with one thing and then go to something totally different by the end of the song.  The artist has to be consistent.

 

DancehallSoca.com: Who are the people who help to make the wheel turn with Black Roots?

 

Cameron: Simone Bute (A & R), DJ Holly from milestone entertainment.  A lot of DJ’s who play the music.   DLife, DJ Stevon, Mysta Viybe, Vibes Man, Foreign bass, too many others to remember.

 

DancehallSoca.com: Jamesy P, Ragga, and Cameron, thank you for your time.

 

Cameron: Thank you DancehallSoca for one of the first to show interest and help the artist.  Jef from Toronto Lime, Dre from Trini Jungle Juice.