Palm Rock Performer Spotlight - I-Wayne
I Wayne emerged on the reggae music scene with crisp clear melodic no nonsense lyrics performed as passionately as they were created. Born Clifford Taylor in Portmore, Jamaica, this 24 year old singer steadily developed his vocal talent since the age of 7. Coming from a musical family he was ushered into the industry as a young performer at variety shows. As a student at Greater Portmore High School I Wayne became serious about his craft and joined the group Vibes Machine, consisting of singers and DJ’S. They performed widely to rave reviews.
For many, I wayne is a new 21st century artist, but he was once a constant and popular addition to after work jams at both Cactus and Asylum nightclubs. Formerly appearing on these shows with Vibes Machine, I Wayne fell into being a soloist by chance when the rest of his choristers arrived late one night. Forced to perform alone, his stellar presentation was well received and from there I Wayne became motivated to perfect his solo act.
Being featured live became routine for I Wayne, who chanted with sound systems Diamond Cruise and The Legend. Having grown up in Garveymeade, he co-produces and performs at an annual show for the community on December 24. Going into it’s 10th year these tributes to the Garveymeade Warriors have performers like Friscoe Kid and Baby Wayne as part of the line up. I Wayne also shared the stage with the artists Sizzla, Anthnoy B and Cobra at these concerts. Other major appearances have been at Teen Splash 2001, Fire 2002 and Spring Break 2004.
Admitting an affinity for love songs that highlight his ethnicity, I Wayne is inspired by the wind as well by composers of ballads. With a natural love for music and genuine chanting, he possesses a unique ability to compose, and commit to memory all material without ever writing down a word. These include the Stephen Gibbs produced single, “Living In Love and “Burning Red” produced by Ricardo “Cracjkeda” Morgan, both released in 2003.
In 2004 I Wayne’s hard work paid off with the successful solo release “Can’t Satisfy Her” on the Loyal Soldiers label. I Wayne is currently working on an album to be released by his new management team at Loyal Soldiers Productions headed by Patrick “Z” Henry. Loyal Soldiers Executive Managers, Ronald “Sonny Spoon” Wright and Patrick Z. Henry envision a vibrant and productive future for I Wayne who is also lined up to work with producers at Ikeba Records in 2004.