Jamaicans often boast that they live up to their motto, 'Out of Many, One People'. Belinda Brady, who has multi-ethnic heritage, gave a nod to her Cuban roots on 'Dance With Me', her latest song.
Produced by Leroy Brown, it has a Latin feel thanks to Canadian guitarist Steve Major. It was Brady who suggested that sound as acknowledgement to her Cuban background.
Drummer Sly Dunbar, and keyboardist/bassist Paul “Wrong Move” Crosdale of The Firehouse Crew, also played on 'Dance With Me'.
“The concept came about based on my Cuban-Jamaican background, which I presented to the team in Jamaica; Leroy Brown, Sly Dunbar, Rorey Baker and Karl Toppin. We all decided it was the right direction to take at this time,” said the Toronto-based artist. “Even though my ancestors are also from Ireland, Africa and India, I have always loved Latin music and felt a deep connection to the culture as well. So, I decided to go with the Latin direction with a Jamaican foundation, of course.”
Born in Kingston, Brady toured as a harmony singer with acts such as Shaggy and Denyse Plummer. She migrated to Canada in the early 1990s, and continued to record with domestic producers as well as maintaining ties with Jamaica.
As a seasoned artiste, Brady is aware of the music industry's regional markets and what kind of songs fans gravitate to.
“The team and I will be targeting the Latin region including other parts of the world we believe would receive the song in a positive way including the UK, North America, Africa, the Caribbean and other territories. We look forward to the response and the great positive support,” she said.
Written By Howard Campbell