David Kirton: The Reggae Ambassador of Barbados
November 16th, 2009
| David Kirton: The Ambassador of Barbados interviewed by James Curt Byrum | ||||
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Emerging from Barbados, Reggae Artist David Kirton grew up listening to a lot of classic Caribbean melodies. This reflects in his music and his passion. With influences like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Steel Pulse, he has not wandered too far from his roots. Yet he has a style that mirrors his independent and easy going nature. In 2008, David managed to pull off a “hat trick” by winning Video, Song, and Artist of the Year in Barbados.
His song “Green Camouflage” has struck a chord with fans all over the world as a modern roots anthem. “It is against the law in Barbados to wear those colors. You may be arrested, searched, or harassed by police if you wear it” David says. “It has been stigmatized by the government as being worn only by those who sell drugs, thieves, and revolutionaries”, he says. “Just last week a youth was arrested after having his house searched.” If that is not art imitating life, I don’t know what is.
I found David to be a very inspirational, humble, and genuine artist; his love of songwriting is at the forefront of his music. He plays guitar well, which adds an element to his writing that is uniquely his own. He says, “It is an important part of my songwriting, it helps me stay in the zone and can often enhance the composition of a song.”
His song “Sugar” shows that he’s not saccharine. David’s dual meaning lyrics lead many to a forked road as he turns over yet another stone. At first glance his songwriting would have you believe, he’s talking about a woman. Instead, he tells a story about the sugar industry in Barbados that has been embedded in the roots and struggle of his Nation.
On David’s current recording, “Time for Change” he has produced his best work yet. With tunes like Free to Fly, Green Camouflage, and the Title track, he has cemented himself as an uprising star. Right now he is touring in California, U.S.A. and is certainly becoming entrenched with his fans there, along with expanding that base. He has already written several songs for his upcoming release and played many of them as he opened for Inner Circle in Santa Cruz where I saw him perform live. His next big hit is sure to be “Hand to Mouth” another encouraging call for the humble to keep the faith and in time, you will be lifted up.
“…..I ain’t looking for no pot of gold, I see rainbows fade from the sky. Talking ‘bout Hand to Mouth, See how we’re living? Every day is the same thing. Before we get the money it’s all ready spent, Can’t get the hole in the pocket to mend……” D. Kirton(Hand to Mouth)
Of the song he remarks, “The greater the size of the battle, the sweeter the victory!”
This is the David Kirton, I’ve come to know. Respect.
Interview By : James Curt Byrum
James Curt Byrum is a writer residing in California.
He is interested in writing about that which inspires humankind. In addition to reviews and short stories, he enjoys penning poetry and lyrics. Passionate for human rights and politics, he keeps his readers abreast of current world events through Reggae Festival E-Guide E-Newsletter. His articles written under, “In Jah’s name we pray” focus on intentions as well as results, along with the struggle and courage of common individuals. “I am eager to learn about people most, you never know what kind of story may be revealed!” His personal blog can be found @Enkindler.com |
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Published in ReggaefestivalEguide Nov.13th, 2009
Passionate about poetry, lyrics, reviews, and short stories, James Curt Byrum is a father of two, residing in Napa Valley, California. He has a love for music of all genres and composes experimental audio-visual art.![[Banner] Arts Council Napa Valley Arts & Culture Event Calendar](http://www.nvarts.org/images/banners/nvarts.org_120x90_blue2.gif)