Jamaican reggae singer I-Octane will headline a concert here in Saint Lucia, slated for Saturday August 1, 2015, Emancipation Day. The Emancipation Concert, as it is called, will be held at Moon River in Canaries, a venue that has proven its suitability for such an event, having staged a major Jazz concert a few years ago.
I-Octane, who is known for his uniquely powerful voice and spit-fire lyrics, began performing under the name ‘Richie Rich.’ It wasn’t long before he was introduced to famed producer Donovan Germaine of Penthouse Records. Spending time at Penthouse and rubbing shoulders with more established artists such as Buju Banton and Tony Rebel gave Richie the opportunity to hone his talent and really decide where he wanted to go with his new career choice. While working with Penthouse, he decided to change his name to something that better represented him. He realized that high octane gas was known for its high energy and performance and knew immediately that this epitomized the type of performer he wanted to be. He personalized it by substituting the ‘high’ for ‘I’, and so the name I-Octane was born.
Three years after linking with Penthouse, I-Octane caught the interest of Arrows Recording Company and transitioned from dancehall music to a more cultural vibe and his first hit single ‘Stab Vampire’ cemented his position as a notable reggae artist.
After that song went to number one and received the award for Video of the Year at the ‘Excellence in Music Awards (EME) in Jamaica, I-Octane put out hit after hit, winning over skeptics and gaining many new fans. Songs such as ‘Lose A Friend,’ his most requested song to date, ‘Different Page,’ ‘Hurt Mi,’ and ‘Mama You Alone’ reverberated with people all over and, as his reputation soared, his fan base increased and the demands grew beyond the Jamaican soil. In no time I-Octane was performing to his international fan base on his first European tour. Inevitably, he soon began to link with notable producers who were all clamoring to work with the young artist, and his repertoire of hit songs broadened rapidly.
I-Octane is now an independent artist, having ended a 4-year partnership with Arrows Recordings. His catalogue continues to grow, likewise his accolades, and he has received numerous awards and nominations in recognition of his work. With only a 5-year stint in the industry, he is already being compared to some of the legends in reggae. Hence it’s only appropriate that many industry professionals and corporate Jamaica are looking to him as the leader of the new generation of music.
Among his more recent hits, ‘L.O.V.E Y.O.U,’ ‘Missing You’ (remix featuring Agent Sasco) and ‘Once More’ reflect his emotional sensibility while songs like ‘Vanity Will Come’ and ‘All We Need Is Love’ (featuring Tarrus Riley) are filled with positive messages and political leanings, something that the current state of dancehall often lacks.
Even with his success to date, it is clear that I-Octane has just scratched the surface of all he is meant to achieve. His music has captured the attention and hearts of people of every color, creed and class and this artist has undoubtedly unleashed a fire that will eternally blaze.
The Emancipation Concert will also feature a number of Saint Lucian performers including Ally Cat, Meshach, Sledge Man, Onyx Dancers, Fundermentals and much more. Tickets are now available at locations in Vieux Fort, Soufriere and Castries.
