5 Questions with Christopher Ellis

Singer Christopher Ellis is in a Rub A Dub mode.

That is the title of his new single which was produced by Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley and which is causing a stir. Critics say the song feels like Ellis stepped straight out of the ‘70s directly on to a stage in 2022 and delivered the track effortlessly.

But Ellis learned at the feet of the greatest, Alton Ellis, the Godfather of Rocksteady, with whom he toured from he was 11 years old and has treasured memories of joining his famous father on stage.

Rub A Dub pays homage to the artistes and music of yesteryear and also highlights Ellis’ versatility. He has never forgotten the music that raised him and keeping it fresh is Ellis’ aim.

“My first stage show was at 11 years old, those five minutes changed my whole life. I did not just know what career path I wanted to take, I knew I would be a singer – I went to school the next day and told the teacher I need not come any more. That same attitude followed me to the first day of college … . I literally only spent orientation day,” he told The Gleaner in a previous interview.

He has since immersed himself in honing his songwriting and performance skills and initially fuelled his passion for music by performing regularly at venues such as the jazz café near his home in London. He has subsequently taken on bigger stages with much success.

With the new track, a release noted that “Ellis takes listeners far beyond just a good jam and also uses his platform to engage them in a deeper examination of how music is played in the present compared to the golden era, along with how people enjoyed music then compared to now. This new single is sure to bring back some of the vibes sorely missing from the sound and dance/party culture of Jamaica.”

Brooklyn-based entertainment publicist and CEO of Destine Media, Ronnie Tomlinson, noted that “with songs such as Better Than Love, Here We Are and Still go a Dance Ellis keeps the rich culture of lover’s rock and rhythm and blues vibrant”.

Her take on Rub A Dub is that “While the track manages to maintain the warmth that analogue music is popular for, it also possesses the uncanny details of the sonic landscape that only a contemporary set-up could achieve.”

Ellis recently thrilled fans at the Earth Hour Concert where he smoothly delivered tracks such as Rub a Dub, Flame Against The Wind, I’m Still in Love and Still go a Dance.

Rub A Dub is available via Ghetto Youths International and is streaming on all major platforms.

1. What was the experience like creating this authentic lover’s rock, rub-a-dub tune, and why now?

I’ve always loved this style of music and I have a strong desire to keep this sound going and preserve it.

2. What has been the response so far?

The response has been amazing so far! The team and I have high expectations so I do hope this song can live up to it

3. As the son of a reggae icon, the Godfather of Rocksteady, Alton Ellis, do you feel pressured to succeed?

My dad being Alton Ellis has never pressured me! I don’t have to do music just because I’m his son. I want to do it. It all seems so natural! Also, the love for music was there from I was 11 years old, long long before the conscious decision to be an artiste.

4. You had a special birthday recently. How did you celebrate the big day?

I’ve never celebrated a birthday in my life. Lol. This will be no different. I was born a Jehovah’s Witness and the only celebration we partake in is the death of Jesus!

5. Where is your favourite place in Jamaica to relax and rejuvenate?

My favourite place in Jamaica is ANYWHERE in Kingston. Lol. I like the hustle and bustle of Kingston. But seriously … Hellshire was my place before half of it was washed away.

yasmine.peru@glenarjm.com