Just over a year ago, Ital vendor turned singer, Redemption, was struggling to get an act on the same stage with local reggae stars, First Born. Tonight he performs at a Reggae Fest in Brooklyn, New York that features First Born as the headline act.
Since migrating to the US, Redemption has pushed his music while holding down a regular job and quietly, he rose up as fresh new sound out of Brooklyn. He had predicted the rise during a sit down with The Scene just before he left Guyana but was cautious then to point out that he still has a long way to go.
In a telephone interview last week, the singer said things are working out as planned but more importantly, “people are finally listening”. Redemption said he had the opportunity to perform with First Born before — something he had always wished for but was unable to achieve while in Guyana.
After finding employment, Redemption said that he went to work in the studio almost immediately and spent time sharpening his vocals while focusing on a few of the tracks on his first album, which was completed in Guyana but never released.
His first break came a few months later, when he met director, Dwain Johnson, and the link-up led to a music video and subsequent singing gigs. Redemption performed at the second Guyana Reggae Fest at Albany Manor and later went on tour performing in Brooklyn, Atlanta, Virginia and Washington DC.
The singer said he is getting ready to do another tour. According to him, the hardships of his past are fading away and he is counting his blessings. However he noted that there is a lot he has to overcome.
Redemption, a Lindener, was born Colin Sampson. After years of trying to make it in the music business in Guyana and vending food around Georgetown, Redemption is reaching a new whole audience with his music. He is expected to release his first album later this year.
