
And now that he’s got a shot at real fame – and earning the respect of his school peers – the young millionaire is already thinking about Grammys… and having kids of his own. TALLAWAH gets the scoop.
When you were finally announced as the winner of the new season of Rising Stars – and even during the cheque presentation later – you appeared very shocked, even dazed. What was going through your head?
Well, I guess I was surprised because I was up against Camaley. She had a lot of people campaigning behind her, and I had no one in Kingston to campaign for me. I am now getting used to being the winner.
A lot of people say you remind them of 2007 winner Romain Virgo, with whom you performed during last Sunday’s grand finale. Did he have any advice for you?
[During the competition], he told me to just pick songs that complement my voice.
Do your friends treat you any differently now that you’re a young celeb?
I think they are a little bit harder on me. Sometimes I have to hide at school because they will jump on me (Laughs). They see me as more of a role model now, and they treat me with more respect.
What about at home? No more dish-washing, right?
[At home], they treat me like a star (Laughs). I don’t do chores.
That’s the life! So how is your girlfriend handling all this?
I can’t talk about that.
Hmmmm. What kind of future are you looking forward to, as you gear up for a career in the music industry?
Well, I am hoping for a very successful one. I hope to be an award winner and reach the Grammys and beyond. I also want to be able to have my kids within the next 6 years.
You will be 22 in six years. Why that age?
That’s the best time.
Really? Is that what you were told?
No. I think about things like that all the time. You don’t want to wait too long.
Tell me one thing people would be very surprised to know about you.
That I am an athlete. I run the 100 and 200 metres, and the relay.
Do you represent your school in athletics?
No, I run at Sports Day. I am not a top athlete that goes to Champs, but I can run lef’ a couple people.
(Laughs). You’re hilarious.


