From his base in New York City, Dretegs has worked with some of the biggest acts in contemporary reggae as well as promising artists based in the Big Apple. That hard work has paid off, as "Home", a song he produced by Jesse Royal, is part of "Royal", the singer's Grammy-nominated album.
The Kingston-born Dretegs is overjoyed at the prospect of being part of a Grammy-winning project. A self-taught multi-instrumentalist, he developed his skills playing in the Church band in Jamaica.
He credits playing live consistently for helping him grow as a music producer.
"Being a musician and a producer, I am able to understand the relationship between instruments better, and how a particular note or sound can evoke a certain emotion. So, it’s great to have this knowledge at my disposal," Dretegs explained.
Jesse Royal is one of the new-wave reggae artists he has collaborated with since 2019. Others are roots singer Dre Island and dance/deejay Chi Ching Ching.
Dretegs and older brother Damion (aka Damiedon) are the driving force behind Jamcoustic Live, an unplugged series that features acts like Kranium, Naomi Cowan and D Major.
The first quarter of 2022 will be a busy one for Dretegs including songs by Damiedon, Alandon, Journey Montana and his band Royal Khaoz. He also plans to release EPs by Chi Ching Ching and D Major.
"Royal" is one of six nominees for Best Reggae Album which will be announced at the 63rd Grammy Awards scheduled for January 31 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The others are "Ten" by Spice, "Live N Livin" by Sean Paul, "Beauty in The Silence" (SOJA), "Pamoja" by Etana and "Positive Vibration" by Gramps Morgan.
Written By Howard Campbell