MEET: Dancehall Artiste RUSHAWN

Born Rushawn Gary Williams, a native of Kingston, dancehall artiste Rushawn emerged onto the music scene in 2019 with a dream of becoming the next big star on the world’s stage from his musically famous island home, Jamaica. With stalwarts such as Bob Marley, Shaggy, Popcaan and Sean Paul, Rushawn’s musical mission is to be recognized on an international level and make music that transcends time and all barriers.

Growing up in the tough inner-city community of Nannyville, Kingston, Rushawn always knew that music was going to be his way out as he grew up in a music-loving family. Penning his first song at age six whilst attending Mountain View Primary. He recalls that the song may not have been his best effort because he was only a child. Nevertheless, it felt good for him to start writing at that age. He kept writing despite the inability to record his art until age 15.

Rushawn’s segue into dancehall music came during his tenure at the Kingston based Vauxhall High School, where he had written a song in collaboration with a group of friends called Hustle. The song went unreleased but it was just the impetus he needed to relentlessly pursue a career in music.

The self-proclaimed ‘Young Don of Dancehall ’ made his first musical release in June 2019. The song titled ‘Winta Fresh’ gained him much recognition from some of the dancehall most noteworthy names. The likes of Ding Dong (also a native of Nannyville), Dj Chemist, Govana, Teejay and Romeich of Romeich Entertainment have all given the ‘young don’ positive reviews, which translate to Rushawn as his musical journey going in the right direction. He followed up his first release with ‘Young & Hype’, ‘We Alright’ and ‘Nothing to Smile About’ which all continue to enjoy premium rotation across the diaspora.

With musical influences such as dancehall veteran Buju Banton, Vybz Kartel, Mavado and dancehall’s golden boy Popcaan, Rushawn’s musical style is very hardcore. His peers see Rushawn as a great writer and lyricist, one who is sure to get much accolades and notoriety in the foreseeable future. Equally, Rushawn’s goals are to achieve major awards such as the Grammy and MOBO Awards and to become a titan for the dancehall genre globally.