Chilling with Chevaughn

Stephanie Lyew, Gleaner Writer

It's not very common for a child to decide, before third year in high school, which college he or she will be attending. However, Chevaughn Clayton, while a primary school student, had told his parents that he would attend the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts to study music.

So said, so done!

Chevaughn completed Bridgeport Primary, then moved on to Bridgeport High, before pursuing a major in popular music studies.

Who can disagree with the person who says, "Never make a disagreement be an issue - my greatest lesson would have been what my sisters taught me, and that is to agree to disagree in life."

Here's what the Happy, Holiday, Life singer had to say about how he's managed to keep busy every year since life was breathed into his musical career.

• What event would you say marked the beginning of your solo career in music?

My first musical step was solo. I was exposed a great deal when I entered the Tastee Talent Competition in September 1997 and won the semi-finals, along with the grand finals in December.

• You started at a young age. Did a musical career, at that age, affect school? How did you maintain a balance?

It wasn't challenging for me, I just had to live up to my end of the bargain. It was very supported by school and family; so school and my peers would ensure that I had gotten my notes when I was absent.

• Did you do any performing while at Edna Manley, or were you part of any musical teams?

I was always performing, especially growing up in the church and participating with the choir.

Additionally, I was a member of Further Notice, a band of five put together while at Edna Manley. Beres Hammond had allowed us to use his studio to record a few tracks, but after school we agreed to split up to start our solo careers and direct career paths.

It was hard making money as a group. However, we still remained friends and that's how Notice Productions was established, now comprising seven persons.

• How did you link up with C-Sharp?

We had a musical history, so after the lead singer at the time left, they asked me to join. That was in 2006. Since then, I have been performing with C-Sharp in Jamaica and around the United States and Europe.

And focusing on the 'performing' aspect of your career, which would you say was your most embarrassing?

I wouldn't say I had any since my career began but I can recall a performance at a fun day at Portsmouth Primary School when a young lady attending the school (not to my knowledge) chose the same song as me to perform. So they made it a competition where that got the most cheers would win.

So I began singing my rendition of R. Kelly's I Believe I Can Fly, and straight across the audience was a rumble of boos. Of course, all I had was the support of my childhood friend at the time, Kirk Dixon, so I handed over the microphone to her.

• Apart from singing, what aspects of music or entertainment have you been involved in?

In 1999, JCDC put together a drumming group called the De la Vega Drummers while I was a drumming student at the Institute of Jamaica Junior Centre. In 2001, I became a teacher, and also did drumming for the Ashe Ensemble during their dance classes.

But I have been playing the drums since 'Vaseline containers and pencil' (laughs).

• How would you describe the travelling experience to do shows?

I started travelling to perform before C-Sharp, and before my career as dancehall or reggae artiste Chevaughn. In 2001, I travelled with Father Ho Lung and Friends to Düsseldorf, Germany, where I participated in theatrical and musical acts for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese World Youth's Day.

• How does Father Ho Lung and Friends fit into your life? Why is it important for you to be part of that?

I don't live my life religiously, but I live it spiritually. I try to do it from that point so anything that feels good in the spirit, then I work with it. So giving back, being a servant to those who can't serve themselves is even more important to me. Father Ho Lung and Friends is just my way of giving back.

• You're involved in so many things: Notice Productions, Father Ho Lung and Friends, and C-Sharp. How do you separate yourself as a solo artiste?

Popularity has a shelf life. I don't need to be popular as a solo artiste, I just want to be respected. Therefore, I tend to go against the grain. With the support of family and friends who always put in their 'two cents', the name will get out there.

• Out of all your travels, which stands out the most, and why?

My trip to Nairobi, Kenya, in Africa with C-Sharp and Turbulance would have to be the most interesting. We were greeted by the sounds of drums at the airport and we had our feet washed.

At first, I was afraid to go to Africa, because although my favourite colour is green, I can't stand to see 'bush' or nature for too long, especially knowing that when the continent Africa is discussed, all they speak of is safari.

• Who are some artistes you wished were alive now so that you could collaborate with them?

Peter Tosh, Jacob Miller and Garnet Silk.

• For someone that takes his lessons in life as food for the soul, what would you tell students of your alma mater?

Respect your teachers because they know more than you do, especially if you want to produce good work. If you don't want to hear what they have to say, then just don't go to school.

Travelling with Chevaughn on the count of 5:

1. 5 albums I am listening to now on my MP3 player are: Trevor Hall's On the Road with Trevor; The Boy Who Knew Too Much; Drake's Thank Me Later; John Mayer's Battle Studies; and the Best of Anita Baker.
   
2. 4 things I always talk about in my journeys are: Music, friendships, women and God, in no particular order.
   
3. 3 places I want to go before the end of next year are: Australia, Thailand and back to Kenya.
   
4. 2 things I can't leave home without are: a pen and my journal.
   
5. 1 thing that keeps me grounded is: my life and my spirit are greater than my body.