Known for his excellent songwriting skills and presence on and off stage, reggae musician Edge Michael hails from Westmoreland, Jamaica and is the nephew of famed reggae icon Peter Tosh.
The entertainer, whose real name is Oral Durloo, is known for hit such as: Deep River Woman, Delilah, Killsome City, Rebel With Cause, If It Ain’t One Thing It’s Another, Our Father among several others. His remarkable ability to use his vocal range and messages to connect with his fans has allowed this reggae star to succeed in his quest to conquer a global audience through his music.
Edge Michael has toured extensively throughout Europe and the United States and is gearing up to launch is seventh album entitledGuilty Til Proven Innocent. He recently came off a successful US tour that saw him being the first reggae artist performing in a section of North Carolina known as Eden, which had never heard reggae before Edge Michael’s performance. He is currently working on a music project with reggae greats Sly Dunbar of Sly and Robbie.
While music is his passion, Edge Michael is also a philanthropist who is concerned about leaving this world a better place than what he was born into. He continuously assists the Blossom Garden Children’s Home in Montego Bay with supplies and equipment in an effort to make the environment more comfortable for the staff and children. Edge Michael is also involved in a homeless feeding campaign in Kingston and Montego Bay two major Jamaican cities.
Edge Michael recently finished filming an in-depth documentary with a film crew who worked on the Iron Man 3 movie project in Hollywood.
For lots more about this reggae legend in the making please log on to his website at http://www.edgemichaelmusic.com
SAVANNA-LA-MAR, Westmoreland — EDGE Michael, the Westmoreland-based roots rock singer, has scored his first hit with a cover of Richard Dimplesfield's If It Ain't One Thing, which in recent weeks has enjoyed the number one slot on a few popular local reggae charts.
In fact, for the past three weeks, the song, released on Edge Michael's Jams Inc label, has occupied the number one position on not only the Richie B chart, but also on the Stampede chart, which is aired on radio and TV in 80 countries across the globe.
Edge Michael
1/1
The song has also recently spent two weeks at the pinnacle of the Owen Brown's Western Union top 20 chart.
Edge Michael, who is the nephew of late reggae icon Peter Tosh, has so far released six albums since he started his musical journey back in 1994 with a release entitled, Try My Love.
The singer who has toured extensively is renowned for other songs such as Killsome City, Me Naw Talk, Delilah and Deep River Woman, is particularly excited over the success of If It Ain't One Thing, which he argued has allowed him to defy the "without having to migrate to Kingston".
"It is said that it is impossible to stay out of Kingston and make a hit song. (But) Me no live a Kingston," Edge Michael told the Jamaica Observer West.
He said he was inspired to do a cover of Richard Dimplesfield's mega hit after experiencing frustration in the music industry.
"Pretty much it actually came about as a result of troubles in the music business... if it is not one thing it is the next. Like sometime me no feel to try because of obstacles which relate to everyday life," the entertainer said.
He expressed confidence that the hit song will propel him into stardom.
"My music can be referred to as morally conscious music. A lot of people wonder why I am not more popular in Jamaica. But there are certain morals and ethics I feel compelled to adhere to. One can't be entrusted with the responsibility of educating a world, and what you find practical to educate the world is about under frock," he explained.
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/westernnews/Edge-Michael-on-top_14529742#ixzz2fM2Yd0Jh
Despite a challenging year for reggae star Edge Michael, his career continues to gain momentum and the 'If It Ain't One Thing' single has helped to secure the entertainer's place in reggae, when it soared to the top of all local charts.
For two consecutive weeks the single has maintained its number one position on the Richie B Top 25 and Stampede Street Charts among several others, which is an encouraging sign that his music has gained traction in a competitive landscape.
"The music business, as we know, has changed, but the message from good songs has not faltered. I'm pleased that Jamaica is feeling the Edge Michael vibe and are now taking a closer look at what I have been doing and can continue to offer" the entertainer revealed.
Edge Michael, who is the nephew of famed reggae icon Peter Tosh, recently casted an all-white crew for the If It Ain't One Thing music video and premiered it in the United States of America where his following has shown increased growth over the past five years.
a great feeling
"It is a great feeling to know that Jamaica is finally on board with my music. To be able to secure a number single on all charts in your home country is truly a special feeling, so it is just for me to maintain the momentum and continue putting out records that can persons can enjoy", Edge Michael remarked.
Edge Michael was scheduled to release his Guilty Til Proven Innocent album in March, however, the theft of some music equipment, which included materials for the album, resulted in its delay . Despite this setback, he revealed that singles such as If It Ain't One Thing and Killsome City are doing very well in Africa and the US.
"The Richie B chart is the reference used by several music insiders who listen to Jamaican music and to steadily climb to the top is a great achievement. In addition, the Stampede Street Chart is used in over 80 countries around the world so we are making inroads in the marketplace. We have to be the trailblazers of our music and there's more to come as we get ready to release some upcoming projects that is sure to make difference" he confirmed.
Sheena Gayle, Gleaner Writer
Western Bureau:The generous spirit of reggae singer Edge Michael was again demonstrated in a tangible way last week Thursday when he answered a call for help from the Montego Bay-based Open Heart Charitable Mission and fed some 100 street people for whom the organisation has established a feeding programme.
"This is a part of an ongoing effort to help those who are less fortunate in society," the singer said. "Their circumstance could have happened to any of us. It is important to lend a hand of kindness when you can because you never know when you will need someone to return the favour."
Edge Michael, whose real name is Oral Durloo, is no stranger to philanthropy as he has been assisting the Montego Bay-based Blossom Garden Children's Home over the years. Just two weeks ago, he partnered with the Poor Relief Department of the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation to treat 200 homeless persons to lunch.
"Together we can do it; together we can help," said Edge Michael. "Whatever you have, just share it with someone in need because the economic situation is tough on us all, but it is worse with those who do not have anything."
HELPING HAND
The Open Heart Charitable Mission is a non-profit organisation that operates a care centre for the homeless on Orange Street in downtown Montego Bay, and a night shelter in Albion, also in Montego Bay.
While the organisation operates in a partnership framework with the St James Parish Council, the Open Heart Charitable Mission has to generate its own funding to sustain the outreach efforts and administrative costs it incurs on a daily basis.
According to Enamay Waunliss, the administrator for Open Heart Charitable Mission, assistance such as that which was provided by Edge Michael is needed on a daily basis. She has issued a call to other persons to come on-board with whatever assistance they can afford.
"We are not funded by the Government, so we have to depend on sponsors to sustain the initiatives," said Waunliss. "If you don't have money to donate but you have some food items, clothes, or toiletries, you can give those. Those little donations can go a far way to help us help others who really need it."
It should be interesting to note that Edge Michael, the nephew of reggae icon Peter Tosh, was recently robbed of musical equipment valued at millions of dollars. However, the robbery has not damped his charitable spirit.
HomeLead StoriesNewsSportsEntertainmentBusinessLettersCommentaryFlairHealth
World NewsLifestyleIn FocusAutoSocialOutlookFoodArt & Leisure
ClassifiedsePaperPhotosVideos
Mobile Version
Subscribe to this feed
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
'Killsome City' star focuses on the homeless
Published: Thursday | January 24, 2013 0 Comments
Reggae musician Edge Michael (standing) participates in a feeding exercise for the homeless at the Myrie Atkins Night Shelter in Kingston. - Contributed photo
Sheena Gayle, Gleaner Writer
At a time when the homeless are among those feeling the brunt of the harsh economic times in Jamaica, Westmoreland-born musician Edge Michael gave hope to 200 indigents at the Myrie Atkins Night Shelter in Kingston when he spearheaded a feeding initiative recently.
The Killsome City singer partnered with the Poor Relief Department of the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC) to treat 200 homeless persons to lunch and entertainment as apart the mandate for his newly formed Edge Michael Foundation.
"If you have felt what it is like to be hungry and homeless, then you can understand why I feel it's my civic duty to look out for those who are less fortunate than you are," Edge Michael said in a statement about the initiative.
community support
"The community supports my musical endeavours and we reached out to the persons in charge of the night shelter to ensure we give back to something, to those who have nothing or have lost everything. I encourage others who are in a position to give, to help the entity feed these individuals, if it is even a bag of rice or other food items, donate it so they can continue providing for the forgotten in society," the statement further said.
Edge Michael, whose real name is Oral Durloo, and is known for several hits such as Delilah, Mi Nah Talk and his recent hit Killsome City, among others, is no stranger to philanthropy as he continuously assists the Blossom Garden Children's Home in Montego Bay in caring for their 42 wards of the State.
The singer/songwriter, who is also the nephew of famed music legend Peter Tosh, also has a new single out called Our Father, featuring Lutan Fyah.
According to Elaine Walker of the Poor Relief Department of the KSAC, it is a challenge to feed the homeless at the night shelter each day, so any effort to assist is welcome.
"We are very grateful for the effort of the Edge Michael Foundation and what it did and we want to ask others, whether corporate or individual, that if you can help us in this regard, it would be greatly appreciated," Walker said.
Sheena Gayle, Gleaner Writer
Nephew of Peter Tosh gives back to Blossom Gardens Children's Home
Western Bureau:
Despite the harsh economic climate, reggae musician Edge Michael continues to extend his reach through philanthropy with his recent donation to the Blossom Gardens Children's Home in Montego Bay.
The singer/songwriter who is also the nephew of famed music legend Peter Tosh, donated over $50,000 worth of food, toys and toiletries to the children's facility, something he indicated is in line with his mandate as a recording artiste.
"So often musicians in Jamaica are viewed as just entertainers and not necessarily seen as the ones who are willing to give back to the community that has helped to build them. Blossom Gardens Children's Home and I have a great relationship so this is the least I can do to help them carry out their care for the kids," Edge said at a handover ceremony last Thursday.
Edge Michael, whose real name is Oral Durloo, is known for hits such as Mi Nah Talk and the recent Killsome City, explained that his intention is to continue his philanthropic drive to assist the home that houses 42 wards of the State.
"All children deserve to know that they are loved and appreciated, and if my small effort can make a difference then it is something I'm willing to commit to. Music is my life and as a father I feel I have an obligation to ensure children are taken care of. I preach equal rights and justice in my music so I have to live what I preach," the reggae singer outlined.
Great joy
According to the Blossom Gardens Children's Home administrator, Paola Genas-Brown the donation will go a far way in assisting with day-to-day care of the children.
"With all that is happening economically, it is a great joy to see that someone is still willing to give in spite of it all and I am really happy to have teamed up with Edge Michael who has been assisting us for the past two years," Mrs Genas-Brown revealed.
She further outlined that "if other persons would just come on board and help us with these children it would be so good because we are here trying to mould their lives and to give them a happy and safe environment to take care of them holistically."