Chico’s first love is still music
The two have managed to maintain the work chemistry and friendship for over 20 years. Their single Bad Man Nuh Pet Gyal helped to get them noticed as an entertaining act.
Chico, born Patrick Walker, was considered to be the singjay of the two, with a relaxed style and flow that more females would be attracted to.
“My music is dependent on a melody; that is what I use to lead my songs,” he said. “Every now and then I will hear a nice rhythm, but most of the productions of this generation are light, not similar to the original style of dancehall. They (rhythms) need more authentic sounds that are dancehall-friendly.”
Songs like Yuh Nuh Care on Dave Kelly’s Bug rhythm and Grudgeful, recorded on the Baddis rhythm, produced by Richard ‘Shams’ Browne of Hi Profile Records and released by Danny Browne’s Mainstreet Records still get a ‘forward’ at local street dances or ‘90sthemed parties.
He has been living in Kingston but is father to a 10-year-old who currently lives overseas.
“It has been hard with him not living in Jamaica. I would prefer him with me here in Jamaica, but for now all I can do is make sure he is OK,” he said.
Because of the uncertainty of a career in music, Chico says he does not encourage his son to consider that career path.
“I wouldn’t tell him no, but I want him to finish school and get a career; music is not something you can bet on,” he said.
“To be honest, music is my first love, and nothing comes easy. My philosophy on life is that if you don’t plan to work, you will fail,” he said. “I never really took a break from music, but I am not recording like before. I figured if the songs are not getting out there the right way, that means there is a problem.”
The aim for 2018 is to become visible with the use of music videos that represent Chico, as well as collaborate with a few popular names.
He expressed his interest in working with Popcaan, Aidonia and female artistes Tifa, Spice, D’Angel and Ishawna.
“Mi love the mix-up vibe and could create a song with a female that knows that type of style,” Chico said.
He hinted that a reggae album is in the pipeline, and another production with Alozade called Gyal Yuh Body Got The Power.