Vincentian Qshan eyes reggae success

Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

Vincentian singer Qshan Deya said he was inspired by worldwide conflict and atrocities to write his latest song, Bloodshed.

Ironically, it was released in Jamaica last week, when a deadly three-day gunfight raged between security forces and gunmen in west Kingston.

In an interview with The Gleaner, Qshan said he kept in tune with the tragic developments in Jamaica from his base in St Lucia.

"What's going on in Jamaica is not unique," he said. "It's happening all over, even here in little St Lucia."

Bloodshed was produced by Kingston-based Oneil Walters for Tuff Rhino Records. It is among a batch of songs on the Jah Guide beat, and is earmarked for Qshan's second album which is expected to be released later this year.

Journey

His first set, Journey, was released in 2002. It was produced by Jamaican Derrick Moo Young and distributed by J And D Records in New York City where Qshan immigrated in 1995.

Around that time, he collaborated with roots-reggae veterans Yami Bolo and Richie Spice on the songs Warfare and Poor's Cry, respectively. He cut a solo version of Warfare, titled Monday Morning which appears on Journey.

Eight years ago, he also toured as a support act for Anthony B on the deejay's North American tour.

Qshan (given name Kellis Quashie) is originally from Union Island, one of the tiny islands that make up St Vincent and the Grenadines. Though the music of choice there is calypso and soca, Qshan said he discovered reggae through the most famous members of the original Wailers: Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer.

Bloodshed

Later, he got into Dennis Brown and new wave roots-reggae acts like Luciano and Bushman. Qshan said he became even more engrossed with Jamaican music when he moved to New York City.

"I would sit and listen to people like Luciano all the time. It was the energy of the music that drew mi," he recalled.

Bloodshed is Qshan's latest attempt to break into the Jamaica reggae scene. He came to Kingston in 2002 to work with producer Iley Dread's King of Kings Productions which yielded the song, Terrible Price.

Six years ago, Kevin Lyttle became the most famous artiste from St Vincent when he scored an international hit with Turn Me On. Qshan is keen to follow in his countryman's footsteps.