Wesrok honoured by Grammy consideration

Wesrok is ecstatic to have secured a space as the first local, country-reggae artiste to be considered by the Grammys for his single ' Ride Cowboy Ride'.

"I feel very good because sometimes when things like these happen, you're inspired to do a lot more and it helps me to feel good about what I'm doing. I am reassured that it's not in vain and you have people out there that do enjoy my style of singing and my style of music," Wesrok told THE STAR. He said that in the land of reggae, trying something for the first time can be "lonely".

"But this reminded me that the world is a much bigger place, and if as a Jamaican I can get something out there like this for it to be even considered, it's really a wonderful achievement," he said.

Ride Cowboy Ride, which he described as a "fun, upbeat" single, incorporated with a modern-day cowboy fashion, made the list heading into the race for the Best Solo Country Performance award.

"It's a country fusion with a Jamaican twist. So I used some of our linguistic style of speaking and dance moves and so on but still has a country groove to it," he said. The song was produced in Nashville, Tennessee, which is dubbed 'the heart of country music'. Wesrok said that extra "country spice" makes the song more palatable on that side of the market.

The category of 132 artistes also sees international country musicians, Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley and Jason Aldean vying for the nomination, which will be announced on November 7. For Wesrok's wife and manager, Karen Buddan, for him to be considered by the Grammys is a great achievement.

"I'm feeling happy, elated, and for me, it's already a win, and this will propel me to work harder for greater success," she told THE STAR. She said a nomination would "amplify his career on a global scale so that people all over the world will know who Wesrok is".

The fashionable country singer said he's always desired to use his musical talent to teach valuable life lessons.

"I want to reach the people across the world with a positive message and just for them to know that there is a Jamaican who's trying to do his thing in uncharted waters, learning as I go along, and I'm not really competing with anyone. I'm in a lane by myself doing my thing and when you're recognised for just doing your thing, that's always a good feeling," he said. He's optimistic that this recognition will inspire other artistes.

"It will open a lot of opportunities for the music and let people know that it's time for a little creativity - yuh can do a little country and pop or country and reggae. It's all about the sound, how people feel about what you're doing and the magic that you put to it - it certainly means a lot and will do a lot," he said.

Buddan noted that though there are challenges and it's sometimes harder to promote this type of music locally, their level of dedication will keep them grounded in fulfilling their aim.

"Country music has always been a part of the Jamaican culture, but to promote a unique blend like what Wesrok is doing, it requires dedication, commitment and believing in yourself, and that's the hallmark of success," she said.