D’Franco Introduction
Reserved, spontaneous, humble yet outspoken. These are some of the words music industry giants use to describe D’Franco. But who is he as a recording artist?
Born into a poor family in the early ’80s as Dwayne Francis, D’Franco was taught the foundation and importance of love by his grandmother and great grandmother. His lyrics are drawn from situations surrounding family, lovers, social commentaries, and other personal experiences.
It was these situations that tackled his intelligence for years and fuelled his determination to pursue a career in the Jamaica Defence Force, starting from the cadet group while in high school. Although he always had a gift to sing and play the drums, he aptly neglected to sing solo. He preferred to remain a regular choir member and drummer at church but little did he know …
Just the Beginning
He started his professional music career in 2006 when he entered the Jamaican talent show ‘Rising Stars.’ Although he did not win, he was selected for the Kingston Top 10. This was from amongst the two thousand six hundred (2600) persons that had entered that year.
As a result, in 2009 he was called to perform on the prestigious annual staging of the Jazz and Blues festival stage. During his performance, the audience and organizers were so elated by his vocal strength and lyrical content, he was recalled later that night to perform a second time.
Consequently, media houses were excited to interview the medium height, well dressed, dark complexion guy with a cutting edge voice.
The Change
After he finished school, his life is going as planned and he was close to becoming a member of the Jamaica Defence Force. However, after a hard day’s work, he would always relax by listening to mainly R&B music.
“My mind began to think freely towards writing and funny enough my catalog of demos started. Is it at all possible that my calling is to be a recording artist?”
Reggae Music
If that is the case, he was convinced he had to somewhat incline himself to the history and cry of his ancestors and spiritual beliefs, adapt to the roots of his heritage, Reggae.
The transition was tedious. At least until he began to understand more about himself. A student of Disco and Reggae hits by artists such as Richie Spice, Bob Marley, Barrington Levi, Tarrus Riley, Dennis Brown and more. As time passed he was no longer a shy guy, instead, he was publicly singing. In addition, he was writing songs with his own style which he calls ”Reggae Blues.’
The First Cut …
‘D’Franco reminisced, “In 2009 I met Dean Fraser and had the opportunity to record my first single, “I’ll Give You” for his label, Cannon Records. I knew there and then that I had some talent as otherwise, this would not have been happening. Finally, I heard my voice on the radio stations in Jamaica then calls from abroad kept coming in, now I am totally convinced that I actually can sing (chuckle).”
Since then he has recorded at historical studios like Tuff Gong & Grafton. He performed at live music venues around the island of Jamaica, done tribute shows and even a few corporate office parties. These events gave birth to ‘‘Change,” D’Franco’s second single. “Change” was released in late 2010 by Marshall Arts records and airplay has extended to Africa.
Progression and Discography
The progress of D’Franco has an artist, slowed down in 2011 mainly because of lack of direct promotion. However, this did not deter him from making good music and staying focus on his career, goals, and objectives.
March – April 2012 saw the release of a sampler compilation from D’Franco consisting of (2) songs & his debut (4) track EP/Album titled “Journey” distributed by Reggae Release which has been widely accepted, getting rotations on major commercial radio stations worldwide e.g. Sirius XM, Kiss100 Fm &Choice FM (Uk), Fame 95 Fm, Hitz 92 Fm, Zip 103FM, 93 FM, Suncity 104.9Fm ( Jamaica), RadioUnerhort Marburg 90.1, Risposte 106.3FM (Europe) etc.
“Give You What You Want” has gained the #1 spot on Reggae France top 10 songs for (3) consecutive weeks and also #1 on CHRY105.5 FM Toronto Reggae Chart, Blazing Bubblers.
It is a reality; Defranco is a fast-growing recording artist and will become a household name in this life.
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