Jevon McKenzie – From cardboard box keyboard to Edna Manley College
Published:Sunday | September 8, 2024 | 12:07 AMChristopher Thomas - Sunday Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Jevon McKenzie is aiming to become a globally recognised musician, a goal he has been pursuing since his childhood days of practising on a keyboard drawn on a cardboard box.
McKenzie, a 20-year-old first-year student at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, was one of 50 tertiary students to receive scholarships during the East Central St James Scholarship and Welfare Fund’s 27th annual awards ceremony on August 28 at the Iberostar Hotel in Rose Hall, St James. He is pursuing a bachelor of science in music.
“I am ecstatic about my scholarship, and it is a pleasure because honestly, the money situation going to college, plus going into a whole different environment, it is not very easy,” McKenzie told The Sunday Gleaner.
“My first genre of music that I was introduced to as a kid was gospel because I grew up in the Church, and my idol was Christopher Wright, a keyboarder who produces for Jermaine Edwards and other artistes,” said McKenzie. “For reggae, my role model is Riff Raff Keys, as he inspired me with his playing style of reggae music, and I know he is a great producer. For jazz, it would be an overseas musician called Chick Corea.”
A graduate of the Irwin High School in St James, McKenzie grew up in Spot Valley as the second of three children to parents Dwight and Tina McKenzie. Although he did not have the means to afford proper musical training, it did not stop him from cultivating his interest in music, using what he had available to him.
“As a growing musician, I did not get the opportunity to have a keyboard, and such. I had to use a cardboard box to practise. I drew a makeshift keyboard on it and practised until I got a tablet and I got access to YouTube, and then later, I found out about the Edna Manley College,” explained McKenzie.
“Also, growing up and going through high school, it was a very hard process for me because my interests were geared towards music and my interests did not align everywhere, but still, I pressed on. I did my courses. I passed for Edna Manley College, and now I am attending the school although at present, it seems hard because of the financial constraints,” added McKenzie.
While acknowledging the financial struggles in his journey, McKenzie identified the love and support of his family and friends as his primary motivation to keep pursuing his dream.
“The support I have been getting from friends and family members is amazing. I give great praise to my parents because they really put some work into me, even through the tough times of life, and I appreciate them for being there,” he said. “The support from family, it is just love there, and I really appreciate the support I have been getting from my friends also.”