Genarus runs for cover - Aspiring singer turns hardcore dancehall into soulful ballads
Published:Friday | November 13, 2020 | 12:18 AMStephanie Lyew/Gleaner Writer
It’s easy to define a recording artiste by his or her biggest hit, says Genarus, an aspiring singer who hails from Exchange in St Ann and who is trying to break into the industry in a way that, though tried and true, is unique. The 18-year-old turns hardcore dancehall songs into soulful renditions.
“I was used to persons telling me [I] sound sing-songy or pop-ish whenever I performed, but that was my comfort zone and ultimately where I wanted to begin my career path as a recording artiste,” Genarus told The Gleaner.
Dancehall tracks like Skillibeng’s Brik Pan Brik, Teejay’s Unfaithful Games, and Dexta Daps’ Breaking News, to name a few, have been transformed into head-turning ditties. Learning and recording the songs of local entertainers has taught Genarus song structure, arrangement, melody, and the art of fusing the genres to make a product that sounds completely new. What’s even better, all the artistes have clicked the like button on his social media posts.
He said: “The idea of doing a cover for Breaking News was so that I could make a three-part love-song series, and I want it to make a big impact not only on the local audience, but on the world. And more covers are coming. I want to spread love and unity with the messages no matter how hardcore the original song. The plan is to maintain that outlook throughout my work as I build my career.”
EMOTIONAL OUTLET
Genarus shared that making covers was first an emotional outlet. Now he’s ready to do even more. He is preparing to release a single of his own titled Mi Lova very soon. He has also done covers of reggae tracks like Chronixx’s Jah Is There and Mortimer’s Lightning and was recently endorsed by American singer and songwriter Pink Sweat$ who, having viewed a video of Genarus singing his 2018 debut single Honesty, was amazed by his vocal ability. “It is paying respect to [the] music that inspired me in the first place and also artistes, and, hopefully, those I would love to collaborate with like Koffee, Tommy Lee Sparta, Popcaan, and Baker Steez after seeing the videos or hearing the covers become interested in working with me. I just want it to have that individuality, mixing our dancehall culture with Afrobeat, R&B, and pop.”
Having recognised the possibilities to turn his recording covers into a money-making venture, Genarus is taking the time to research the ins and outs of the music business. Platforms like Apple Music and Spotify have helped launch the careers of tons of previously unknown artistes on the success of covers alone. Currently overseas, the young creative is seeking out options to further his musical education at two of the top schools in performing arts, York College and the Berklee College of Music.
LIMITED BY RELIGION
Pursuing his dream did not always seem so clear, he said, “I was sort of blinded by religion.” Born to Seventh-day Adventist parents meant that Genarus, whose given name is Akeem Aubyn Bryan, would have to abide by strict traditions.
“It was limiting me ... it put me in a shell because simple things such as extra-curricular activities, I was unable to participate in either because training sessions, which would help me to reach my full potential, were scheduled on the sabbath,” he shared.
“One positive is that both sides of my family, mother and father, are musical people. I often sang in the church with my sister and spent some time learning the guitar, but was dedicated to it. Now, I’m broadening my reach by practising to play the piano.”
Sharing a video of himself recording a cover on social media was only done by chance as he lived in fear of what people would think.
“I had different dreams and passions. I was at a low point in my life and didn’t think I was doing the righteous thing, but I did a lot of introspection before getting to a place of self-acceptance, and I’ve also opened up the eyes of my family, so they are supportive,” he said.
“At the end of fifth form, my eyes became more open to the truth. The more I performed with my school’s band [at York Castle High School], the more I knew I wanted to pursue music. To persons out there dealing with similar struggles, the answers are there once you maintain that spiritual connection. Just be true to you.”