Jamesy P (James Morgan) has been part of the soca music scene since 2004. He’s still known as the ‘Nookie’ man, but it’s a title he’s long since left behind. He now pursues a more exemplary way of life. Jamesy is back in 2019, with two new releases so far for Trinidad Carnival 2019: Soca Land and Intense. However, he hasn’t been resting on his laurels, and has also penned songs for several other soca artists.
Who is Jamesy P, and which island do you represent?
Jamesy P is a fun-loving person, full of life and laughter, from the island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Therefore I represent the 784, but I also represent all of the Caribbean because we are all ‘ONE FAM’.
You are the original ‘Nookie’ man; will any of your upcoming releases follow in that vein?
That ‘Nookie man’ sobriquet has gotten me into a lot of trouble, and it drew me out and away from my spirituality. So, in answering your question, at this point I’m trying to keep my music more uplifting; not saying a ‘jump & a wine’ won’t get into the mix at some time, but I’m making sure that all my songs could be sung at a children’s event.
You have been quiet for the past couple of years; what have you been up to?
For the past couple years I chose to take a step back to analyse and reassess a mixture of a personal and spiritual journey, whilst opening a restaurant and beauty supply store in St. Vincent. I have also been doing a lot of writing, and in doing so I have been fortunate to have gotten the opportunity to work with and alongside the likes of Dr. Machel ‘Monk, the Goat’ Montano, Austin ‘Superblue’ Lyons, Tony ‘Chinese Laundry’ Chow Lin On, Precision Productions, Frankie McIntosh, Franklin Grant and the Great Rawlston Charles, better known as Charlie from Charlie’s Records out of Brooklyn NY. I also had the privilege to write tracks for Farmer Nappy, Lyrikal and Fadda Fox, and I wrote Hulk, the monster hit by BLAXX, and Brace Up by Machel Montano – just to name a few.
Could you remind our readers of some of your other tracks?
Some of those tracks have included Bashment, Sugar Pan, Leave Me Alone, Puff & Pass and Siyahbonga.
Your new release, Soca Land, seems to have some of the old Jamesy P in there but with a slightly different flavour. Is that correct, or have we heard wrong?
You are correct; in fact, you’re so correct that people are telling me, with my trademark flavour (old school), that I sound like Winston Bailey (Mighty Shadow) on this track; that I may need to buy a black hat and a trench coat and throw a beard into the mix.
Why did you decide to release Soca Land for Trinidad Carnival?
I’ve been doing a lot of writing, and after being called on stage in Barbados at Soca on the Hill by my friend Blaxx, I made the decision that the stage is where I belong – and I do have a burning passion for it. Soca Land was one of the tunes that I wrote while working with Machel ‘Monk’ Montano, and since I had the intention of returning to the stage/industry, Trinidad Carnival was the immediate festival and, at the time, the most appropriate.
What other releases do you have planned for the 2019 Trinidad carnival season, and are there any planned collaborations?
Yes, you can look forward to Lion Paw, which is very uplifting) and, as far as collaborations go, the answer is yes – but I’d rather not let the cat out of the bag.
What’s next, after Trinidad Carnival?
Taking it back to the road to continue to spread soca music, and keeping St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ music alive across the globe.
In addition, Jamesy says…
In conclusion, put God first in everything that you do, and he will direct your path. To my fans, I must say thank you for your continuous love and support, and to my country, St Vincent and the Grenadines, thank you for allowing me to fly the flag of St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a cultural ambassador.
If you’d like to connect with Jamesy and find out what he’s up to, hit him up on Instagram at @jamesypmusic. For bookings, email [email protected] or [email protected].
