Dancehall superstar Sean Paul has been wowing the world with his music
for more than a decade. The Grammy-award winning artist, who hails from Kingston, has inspired millions of kids around the world with his high-energy delivery and way with words. Sean Paul found time in his busy schedule to chat with Key to Cayman about life, music and charity.

You have a long history with the Cayman Islands

I’ve been to Cayman quite a few times. Back in the early days when I was a younger artist in Jamaica and not as popular internationally, Cayman always showed me love. There are different generations now in the fifteen years I’ve been in the biz. I came early in my career, I came in the middle of my career in 2005 and then again five years later. My fan base is growing here, which is a good thing. To me, it’s about different relationships with different territories. It’s not about me coming as a big artist. I feel like it’s a family, still.

You have a long relationship with the water

I love the water. My father, grandfather, my mother and her sister all swam competitively for Jamaica. [My brother and I] played water polo and every year I went to CARIFTA Games [until the age of 21]. There would be Team Cayman, Team Barbados, Team Bahamas, Team Trinidad – I have friends from all these countries who used to be swimmers and I was touring from then. So [when I started doing music tours] it wasn’t unfamiliar to me.

You are involved with children’s charities in Jamaica and appeared with Shaggy on charity singles for Haiti following the devastating earthquake

A lot of years I’ve been doing this and people have been supporting me simply because they like my sound. They come to the shows and [buy the music]. It’s nothing for me to give back [and lend time and fame to causes] in that way … better you put it in education or a hospital, somewhere people can benefit. It’s smart charity, I think.

You have travelled internationally with your music. Where have you visited recently?

Abu Dhabi and Sri Lanka, for the first time last year.

What inspired the haircut?

It’s the movie, Apocalypto and another movie named 2012.

What inspired you to start in the industry?

Someone told me, when I was a kid, “You’re the next generation. You’re going to conquer the world.” And I took it serious.

Describe the Sean Paul experience

Energy and excitement, fun and dance. That’s what we do. The world has too much problems. When I was a kid, all the problems I faced, I liked to be able to go out on a Friday and socialise and dance. That’s my thing.

What advice do you have for artists in Cayman?

Everybody needs to believe in their own self to be able to accomplish things. If you don’t believe in it you won’t be able to. You are the only person on this earth who has ever been born that way. Even if you are a twin you are a special person so believe in yourself, narrow in on what your goals are, what your strong points are – and then go for it.

What’s the message?

Enjoy yourself and have fun. I’m definitely enjoying the present.

PHOTO CAPTIONS: Sean Paul performed at Royal Palms on 5 November 2010, arranged by local promoters Paramount Media (Vibe 98.9FM and Spin 94.9 FM)