STAR of the Month : Education is key — Devin di Dakta

STAR of the Month Devin Di Dakta now considers himself as a lyrical surgeon with several musical accolades under his belt, including being the youngest ever Grammy nominated act from Jamaica. However, music was not his first love.

As a child, Devin, who hails from Highgate, St Mary, had dreams of becoming a paediatrician.

"That was when I was, like, in sixth grade," Devin recalled.

"At that time, I remember I was at the Annotto Bay Hospital sick right before the Grade Six Achievement Test. I was out of school for, like, three months. It was so intriguing to see all the little kids come in and the way the doctor deal with them nice and how the doctor deal with me so nice. I wanted to return that favour," he said.

Though Devin no longer has the passion for medicine, having found his true calling in music, he still believes in the value of a solid education regardless of whatever career path one pursues.

"A lot of people don't have education and them songs go far, still," Devin reasoned, "But me nuh think sensible people a go really like your music after a period of time."

Devin, who attained eight Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects while attending St Mary High School, said he believes his intelligence propels his music.

"The other day I was on an interview and singing Rrri Bam Di Deng Deng and Run Me Down on an old rhythm, so I had to really slow it down, and the interviewer said he didn't know sensible lyrics was in the songs. At the end of the day, the sensible lyrics will go far," Devin said. While many youngsters believe it is easy to break into the music industry and become a star, Devin advises that they should ensure they have a solid educational foundation first.

"Stay in school, education a the key," he assured.