Falco Di General aims to build harmony in Grants Pen

Damion Allen, better known as ‘Falco Di General’, is on a mission to use music to build harmony in the volatile community of Grants Pen, St Andrew.

Established two years ago, his studio, New Beginningz, is based in the community that has witnessed an upsurge in crime and violence. Despite the area’s notoriety, Allen told THE WEEKEND STAR that the studio’s location was a strategic decision. Not only would he have the structure close to his house, but more importantly, he could engage young artistes in the community who are hoping to use music to climb the socio-economic ladder.

But despite his earnest endeavours to foster positive social change, his business has encountered daunting obstacles.

“Some people ‘fraid fi come to the studio. Yuh can deh inna di studio and violence a happen outta di gate,” he said. However, he still believes that he can “help a lot of guys in the community weh lost”. Musicians such as Jahshii, Kibaki, Tilibop, and the late Gully Bop have been nurtured by New Beginningz. Allen highlighted that he plans to share unreleased songs soon that Gully Bop recorded.

New Beginningz is far from the start of his musical pursuits, as he had humble beginnings in 2012. The then 25-year-old left his job as an assistant accountant at the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) in search of greater financial stability. “After I left BOJ, financially it was worse, because the job woulda normally cover the bills and expenses, so it was more difficult because music tek money. But more doors started opening up for me,” he said.

But, having more time to focus on his craft was the foundation for singles like Gimmi Di Vibes, AK 95 and the Employee of the Month mixtape.

His decision to become a full-time musician exposed him to difficulties such as obtaining studio time, not having his songs mixed to his liking, and the financial rigours of getting airplay.

“Dat’s why mi learn [sound] engineering,” he said.

“Mi nuh buss yet. But I’ve achieved enough,” he added, alluding to his studio, an accomplishment that has earned him more than his previous nine-to-five job. Although he faces challenges in growing his business, he remains thankful for the opportunities that have come his way.

He said that listeners can anticipate “pure gratitude” from his upcoming EP, Victorious, which is a testament to his progress as he tailors his musical flow and strives to ultimately be one of the best artistes and producers who “produces hit songs, proper, [and] clean music”.