After 19 years ...Teflon does not feel acknowledged

Next year will mark 20 years since reggae-dancehall artiste Teflon emerged on the scene with his first official recording.

Determined to win over the hearts of the local entertainment industry, he has always led with the belief that "the music needs someone like me" but still finds that the Jamaican audience is a tough one to please.

In a recent interview with THE WEEKEND STAR, Teflon explained that "There are still people who overlook me, or the so-called gatekeepers still sidestep or push the great positive message music aside."

"Me been around for so long, [so] me experience it enough and that is even what inspired my mixtape Acknowledge Me or Don't, Love Me for Me Volume 2. I had done a Acknowledge Me or Don't. It's just me talking to the industry through song," he continued.

The St Mary-born artiste is known for singles such as Nuh Time Fi Gaze, When U Bless as well as collaborations Think Before You Talk with I-Wayne and Same Struggle with Capleton. Though these productions could be heard in the dancehall space, it wasn't until he relocated to the US that he started to feel like his music was being played.

"The overseas market and in the music industry is more accepting of my music... less badmind, less envy, less fight. And I'm not saying fight not everywhere, but the way people give feedback is just different," the artiste said.

He has put down roots in Florida, where he has established his Yard A Love record label and music studio. But regardless of finding a niche in the US, Teflon, given name Shaniel Andre Watson, said he always returns home.

"As a street youth growing up in Jamaica, there is so much more that I have to offer to our Jamaican youths. I see where I have set an example for my own children - three teenage daughters - the youngest who is now pursuing music as DJ Nomi. She love me bad and want me to continue to be that role model and father. Still me tell dem schoolwork and education first," Teflon said.

He said that he has taken a few up-and-coming artistes like Complexi under his guidance.

"Although I am an American citizen, my base is still Jamaica. So me just want people fi acknowledge the work. A lot of work is happening and I continue to represent fi mi country and culture," he said.

Teflon's US tour runs from April to July, with scheduled stops in Boston, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Atlanta and Florida.