Protoje enjoying musical success!

Fast-rising reggae artiste Protoje says he was pleased with the support given to him while he performed for the first time at the much prolific Reggae Sumfest event, held last weekend at Catherine Hall, in Montego Bay, St James.

And after making an inspiring debut performance on International Night 1, which also saw top R&B singer Chris Brown, the smooth- talking singer, born Oje Ken Ollivierre, rounded off another mouth-watering display at Tuesday Night Live, held at Village Blues Bars, in Barbican, St Andrew.

However, Protoje said it was like a dream come through when he graced the stage last Friday.

"It was a really good experience and I appreciate the response that I got from the audience. I've always been in the audience at Sumfest, now I was performing in front of an audience. Just having that vibes onstage was a really wonderful experience," he said.

Of his follow-up performance at Tuesday Night Live, he said, "Wicked man! People been supporting my music, so I give thanks."

The singer, who is said to be influenced by Black Uhuru and Hugh Mundell, also said he pays extra attention to his delivery before going onstage.

"I give (performance) the most emphasis. There is nothing more that I work harder on than my performance. It's my favourite part, I was really hyped about it (Tuesday Night Live) because I had my own band, Indiggnation, and the energy was there," he said.

Protoje has had a somewhat successful year in the music industry, with his single Dread, produced by Don Corleon.

Protoje, who got his breakthrough in the music business last year with Arguments, also said he's currently putting the finishing touches to his 13-track album, which is also produced by Don Corleon titled The Seven Year Itch.

On the album, Protoje make special mention to the single Wrong Side of the Law, which he said most fans are buzzing for: "A lot of people are waiting for that song to come out."

The song Dread currently lies at number one on CVM TV's Hitlist show and RE TV's MVP Top Ten countdown, and number two on TVJ's Fiwi Choice music chart, while his other single JA continues to climb the charts.

THE JAMAICA STAR