Skellee’s switch to music inspired by Yaksta’s ‘Ambition’

St Mary native Skellee has been pursuing a career as a dancehall recording artiste for the past five years but had never released any music because he "wasn't taking it serious".

He invested more time and money in farming. What started out as a 'grow what you eat' activity expanded into a profitable business.

"It's micro farming; mostly sweet potato, peppers, tomato and bananas grown in the backyard of my home. I also raise chickens," Skellee told THE STAR. "I was always playing around with music, recorded a few tracks, but didn't put them out."

Inspired by fellow St Mary artiste Yaksta's single, Ambition, and the nods the song received from the local music industry, Skellee began seeing the possibility of balancing a career as an entrepreneur and a recording artiste.

Skellee said, "The song pushed me, ' farming over flossing, investment over braffing'. When me hear that line, me seh it come een like ah me di man a sing 'bout. The lyrics are life-changing. I've always seen Yaksta, but we never spoke, and as another artiste that sees the potential of investing in farming at the same time, it is motivation for me."

Christened Racime Rutherford, the 25-year-old is called 'Skellee' by friends because of his tall, skinny appearance. As persons were already familiar with the name, he decided that it would be the name he'd use as he ventured into music.

Now, under the wings of the Essential Music record label, owned by prominent St Mary businessman Richard Thomas, Skellee feels motivated to share his vision and life experiences through music. Life Change, the third official single the artiste's team released, reveals Skellee's true feelings and story, and shows a different side of the usually reserved persona he displays.

"Right now, some of my friends from high school that showed more interest in becoming recording artistes are surprised to see me on this path now. One thing I am grateful for is that they feel motivated, and another is that both my father and mother are not against it, because I was never the type of child that gave trouble," he said.

He is working on new material and continues to grow his craft to become a great in the business. The next single to be released is titled They Don't Know.

"The goal is to become an international mainstream act, hopefully in three years," Skellee said. "My dad is going to take control of the crops while I try to inspire other youths and listeners from all types of background through my music."