Contributed by Coleen Douglas, Photos by Carlo Crippa & Verrol Blake.
When Romain Virgo won the Digicel Rising Stars competition in 2007, his drive to sharpen his craft led him to enroll at the School of Music, Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMCVPA). However, a recording contract with Greensleeves Records and an increasing demand for his live performances soon shifted his focus toward a full-time music career.
Seventeen years later, during an interview at Rototom Sunsplash 2024’s Reggae University in Spain, Virgo spoke candidly about the profound impact the School of Music has had on his career:
“My musicians are all from the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. They are doing tremendous work with young talent there. Every musician I have worked with has passed through Edna Manley College. I feel blessed. They not only know how to play, but also understand musical theory and take so much pride in what they do.”
His relationship to Edna is strong, as his longest-serving musician, Makiri Whyte, graduated with honours from the School of Music in 2016. Virgo stated that he has complete faith in White’s intuition as a musician and frequently relies on his recommendations to recruit new band members. This partnership has resulted in several Edna students currently playing in his band, including Jared Ansine, a fourth-year guitar major, and graduates Rhoan Johnson on keyboards and Jevaugn Latty on bass. Tori Ann Ivy (Tori Lattore), a former voice major, is also on his squad, and she, like Whyte’s classmates who came before her—Anna Mariah Morris, Racquel Stephenson, Jamila Falak, Sabrina Nembhard, Gavin Hart, and Jamie Wilmot—continues to exhibit the College’s outstanding vocal training.
In the same year, a fellow student, Nicolas Groskopf, collaborated with Whyte and others to produce a version of Maroon 5’s Don’t Wanna Know, showcasing the synergy between students. The ensemble featured percussionist Kawain Williamson, bassist Rhoan Johnson, and keyboardist Ottmar Campbell) Indie Allen, Lace and the aforementioned vocalists (save for Ivy and Wilmot).
The interview with Virgo was not only a great PR moment for Edna Manley College but also a reminder of the instrumental role its School of Music plays in shaping Jamaica’s music industry. From backing bands to Grammy-nominated ensembles, the School of Music boasts a rich history of producing some of the nation’s most accomplished musicians. It’s nearly impossible to attend a live event in Jamaica without encountering Edna’s talent on stage.
Raging Fyah’s nomination for the 59th Grammys in 2017 followed Di Blueprint Band’s victory at the Global Battle of the Bands World Finals in 2012. Other notable alumni include the production duo Unga Barunga and Welsh Bass of Notis Heavyweight Rockaz, who created the popular Diamond Socks Riddim, as well as the bands Pentateuch, C-Sharp, and EarthKry.
Beyond bands, the College has produced individual stars like Ranoy Gordon, a Grammy Award-winning guitarist for the Marley brothers (Stephen and Damian), and Morgan Heritage; Courtney Deidrick, Junior Gong’s drummer; Kevon Webster, Sting’s keyboardist; and Davol Fletcher, Sean Paul’s bassist. Other talented graduates include Lamont “Monty” Savoury, Othneil Halliburton (a teacher at St. Jago High School and a musician for Christopher Martin), and Keneil Delisser, currently playing for Buju Banton.
A standout performance at Rebel Salute featured the horn section known as Top Brass, including 4th-year students Randy Fletcher and Deshaun Fender, former student Okiel McIntyre, and graduate Oshane Love. Veteran musician Dean Fraser, who has worked closely with the group, praised the young talents:
“Since the passing of my bredren Nambo Robinson, working with these youngsters has been refreshing. We just left the studio, and it’s really refreshing to work with them. Beyond being professional and talented, they are eager to work. We can achieve anything with them, and it truly is a joy.”
At the heart of this creative crucible is the School of Music’s signature event, the Lunch Hour Concerts. These Thursday afternoon performances provide students with a vital platform to showcase their skills before a live audience comprising peers, faculty, and the public. Participation is mandatory for all certificate students, who must perform at least once per semester as soloists. These weekly critiques serve as a rigorous test of endurance, honing students’ ability to collaborate as they support one another as stagehands, backing musicians, or vocalists.
Emerging from this crucible, EMCVPA’s music students are battle-tested and ready for the road!
As Romain Virgo emphasised, the Lunch Hour Concerts embody the spirit of collaboration and professionalism that defines the School of Music. This space is more than just a stage; it is where students are scouted by industry professionals and where they must balance the demands of real-world experience with their academic responsibilities.
The Lunch Hour Concerts are open to the public every Thursday at 12:15 PM in the Vera Moody Auditorium, Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. It is a space, as Romain Virgo said, that must be lauded for its impressive work ensuring the next generation of Jamaican music talent is not only performance-ready but also nurtured and celebrated.
