Thesarus wants dancehall to feel his words, sound and power

Imaginative newcomer with an obvious surplus of confidence, Thesarus believes that his stage name should be enough to stir some interest.

"The name says it all," the up-and-coming artiste told THE STAR, asserting that anyone who knows what a thesaurus is, "will know who I am and what I have to offer".

The Franklyn Town-raised young man is an artiste of great invention, refusing to be boxed in by genre boundaries and unafraid to put himself in the hot seat of accountability, all while applauding his own efforts.

"I think of myself as a star of the year, not just on the rise, for the way I put my songs together, [and] also [for] the momentum I've been receiving at the community or street level and on social media," Thesarus said.

The video for one of his latest releases, A King's Dream, has amassed more than 23,000 views. With the help of his team, McDonz Records and videographers, he was able to bring a concept from the drawing board, which involved utilising local news clippings for the introduction, to create art.

"There is a reason I say 'bomb brain' as part of my slogan, because it signifies the explosive thinking of the creative people around me, and of myself. It is delivered like words, sound and power in my music, and my goal is to make dancehall aware," Thesarus shared.

He added, "People generally don't consume news on television these days, they're hardly tuned in on the traditional platforms. But on social media, a clipping will capture everything from a protest to anguish that communities are feeling. I wanted to show real life in A King's Dream and create awareness while doing that."

Mirroring a similar rap style and lyrical flow of Meek Mill, Thesarus said he has found his niche.

"I can't really say that I have a specific writing or recording style, but I consider myself to be similar to Meek and Nipsey [Hussle]. Some would have thought it would have been a Jamaican artiste, considering the genre of music I produce, but no. Meek Mill reminds me of myself, from the ghetto, smart, hustles hard, has his ups and downs but still remains on track and produces music that you can sit down, reflect and relate to about becoming better than who you are now. I thrive off the lyrics that come from his songs," he said.

"When I'm recording I like to have an audience in studio for that natural energy and to spark some creative chemicals in my brain, and also boost the confidence to peak levels. My music is coming from a pure place, and I don't say things to mislead or dictate. But at the same time, I make sure to give my honest opinions or share my way of doing things. In a few years, people can count on hearing my music on all major radio stations across the world," Thesarus continued.