From St Thomas to the world

SINGJAY Tristan Nelson's new single on the Control Tower-crafted Apple Vodka riddim Got to Make It aptly sums up his long-term career goal.

The 27-year-old, whose stage name is T-Nitro, says he's not in the business to make up numbers, but intends to take his talent to a global market with a style comprising a "unique eclectic mix of reggae and R&B and soul".

"I think I am bringing something to the fore that will appeal to the world, so, yes, I see myself going international, and so far I am getting good feedback," said the native of St Thomas.

"I am coming out with the best, that new fresh sound... I want to show people the different moods and versatility of my music," T-Nitro told the Jamaica Observer.

He shared that Got To Make It is enjoying its fair share of airplay on local radio and has people grooving to it in the dancehalls, following closely on the heels of the relative success of With You.

"It's my insight of music, my passion of music that is coming out in Got to Make It," he said.

T-Nitro, whose introduction to music happened as a student of Llyssons Primary and Morant Bay High in St Thomas, said he has gained inspiration from other outstanding musical giants of the parish: Morgan Heritage, Tarrus Riley and Bushman, to name a few.

"Seeing these men and being in the same environment with them has given me a boost to go forward," he noted.

Others who have influenced this budding musical act -- who claims he studied orchestral music at The Royal School of Music in England -- are Beres Hammond, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Tracy Chapman, John Holt and Bounty Killer.

"I listen to all kinds of music; there is a time to cry and a time to be happy, and that's how I look at music: there is something for everyone," said T-Nitro.

The Retreat, St Thomas, resident sees himself one day gracing the stages of iconic local shows like Jazz and Blues, Reggae Sumfest and Sting.