Guestlist

Issue 109

Monthly newspaper and online publication targeting 18 to 35 year olds. The ultimate guide to the hottest parties, going out and having fun. Music, fashion, film, travel, festivals, technology, comedy, and parties! London, Barcelona, Miami and Ibiza.

Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/994595

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 56 of 59

We touchdown with Jamaica's household name, Peter Lloyd, an artist who is not only conquering music but has starred in TV shows and movies with Hollywood stars. We chat music, how he is changing the world & smoking with Denzel Wash- ington. 2018 / ISSUE 109 REGGAE 55 Let's start from the beginning what was it like growing up in Jamaica? Growing up in Jamaica was a remarkable experience for me. My parents loved music, I heard everything, rnb, pop, rock, classi- cal, country and lots of Jamaican music, ska, minto, rocksteady and reggae. I had amazing friends, wonderful Jamaican food. I grew up, understanding not only my greatness but the greatness of all humanity. My father ensured that we all understood that EV- ERY person was special. He also ensured that we never gave up, never gave in to fear and doubt, and never made the opinions of other more than opinions. Growing up in Jamaica made me tough but loving. I guess, sunshine, and the tropical climate with organic food does that. Aside from music you also got into acting quite early on, all because of a girl - what's the story there? I met a dancer with the National Dance Theater Company, she was gorgeous. We made a date to meet, in Cross Roads, but I mistak- enly thought we were meeting at a Terrace, but it was a drive. So I went to the wrong address, correct name, and number but not the drive. Where I went to, they were having an audition for a televi- sion commercial. While waiting, ( I thought she was rehearsing at the back ) Paul Noble, the director and Fred Lusan the producer, talked me into doing the audition. I got the part (laughs). After, I found out I was waiting for her at the wrong address. You've since worked with some major names, from Denzel Wash- ington to Spike Lee - but who did you have the most fun working with? Hands down, Denzel Washington, unaffected. They were all great, kind and considerate, however, Denzel was simply 'one of us'. Did the two of you smoke it to- gether? No we never did, but he did in our presence. Who comes to Jamaica without trying the best weed on earth?! As well as American TV you have been on Blackbirds one of the longest-running shows in Jamaica, what has that experience been like for you? The Backburns Of Royal Palm Estate was fun. It was like family. I was working with actors I grew up with, admired and learnt from. Also, it was great working in Ja- maica on the most popular televi- sion series in Jamaica's history. The response from my fellow Jamai- cans was overwhelming. I loved the experience. Tell us about your latest single 'Woman'? 'Woman' is so real, the ultimate ode to women, an honest love song about real love. I was admit- tedly intimidated at the thought of covering such a massive track, especially in reggae, but I sensed it was a perfect fit, I engaged the brilliant roots reggae producer Dean "Cannon" Fraser. We laid tracks at the legendary Tuff Gong Studios with the best musicians. Then, after an initial attempt, I recorded vocals at Penthouse Stu- dios in Kingston. I love, respect, and admire women. I think 'Woman', not only perfectly pays homage to them, but it is an honest reflection of real relation- ships. I am proud of the end pro- duce, and am hopeful that even the purest will love it also. What has been your proudest mo- ment so far? Becoming a father. So what made you start up the programme Yutes Rise? And why is it so important to you? Yutes Rise, through a reggae workshop, informs youths of the evolution of reggae music, it's his- tory, impact and it's true purpose. We use the workshop to awaken the artistry in the participants, while simultaneously reinforcing their sense of self, their inner great- ness. The workshop culminates in a concert, with students and myself performing. What is the greatest challenge you have ever faced in life? This is an interesting question. I think for me, my answer is and continues to be evolving into a bet- ter version of myself. Like most of us, I continually battle with my ego, my intellect and my spiritual self. I want to be less angry, less insecure, less judgmental, less opinionated. I strive to be a better, more open, more understanding human being. What ideas changed your life? My father told me at an early age, 'You can achieve any goal, any dream, any ambition'. On Sunday mornings he and I would discuss life. It gave me the confidence to believe in myself. In my teen years he said once when I was conflicted about pleasing others, he said: 'never forget, the opinion of others, though sometimes valuable must be seen for what it is, an opinion.' If you could change the world in one way, what would it be? I would want greater empathy. If we were able to walk in each other's skins, would be less likely to experience prejudice, hate, igno- rance and greed. Our humanity to each other would be greater. What's next for Peter Lloyd? This year we record my third full-length studio album, not yet titled, which should be out this autumn. 'Woman', is actually the first release from the album. We also head back to the USA on tour for July, confirmed dates in Florida, Rhoda Island, New York City, Kansas City, with other states and cities to be announced. We also serve up some great remixes of old fan favourites. I also mentioned my soup kitcheN and we continue to promote Yute Rise across the globe. There are numerous other projects also in the works. Any last words? Never forget that we are all special. there is only one of yourself in the entire universe, this makes you special, unique, priceless. What you bring to the world is "one of a kind". Never doubt your greatness, your relevance or your value. Each and every one of us is special, let no person, institution, medium, government or religion tell you otherwise. I love you all. " NEVER DOUBT YOUR GREATNESS, YOUR RELEVANCE OR YOUR VALUE. EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US IS SPECIAL, LET NO PERSON, INSTITUTION, MEDIUM, GOVERNMENT OR RELIGION TELL YOU OTHERWISE '' Patience Takyuka | Guestlist follow @peterlloydworld INTERVIEW: PETER LLOYD

Articles in this issue

view archives of Guestlist - Issue 109