Deejay Markeno endured much poverty in his youth in rural Jamaica. It is an humbling experience that helps keep him grounded.
On 'Rich Life', he looks at the more glamorous trappings that come with a typical dancehall lifestyle. Only his second song, it was released in early February by Open Doors Records.
'Rich Life', he notes, projects the importance of perseverance in escaping desperate situations.
"I want people to see that there's a possibility to follow your dreams because one day things must work out. If you want something you have to work hard for it," he said.
Markeno, who now lives in Tampa, is originally from Lucea, a seaside town in Hanover parish, western Jamaica. He remembers how being part of his high school's dance and singing group brought relief from his domestic challenges.
In 2022, he made his recording debut with 'Wild And Dirty'. Shortly after, he met Jason Bromfield and Lola Anderson of Open Doors Records who expressed an interest in working with him.
Based in Orlando, that company has released albums and songs by artists such as Jah Niceness, Norris Man, Jahmali and Everton Blender.
Written Howard Campbell