IT’S FAIR to say north London reggae singing sensation Ras Demo has always had the X Factor. However, due to the red tape countless British artists battle, he has never truly received his rightful accolade on British soil. Jumping ship in 1992 leaving his hometown for recognition, the self-taught reggae crooner has grown from strength to strength developing a large fan base in America, Canada and Jamaica. Known for his distinct, sweet, melodic vocals; super-fast, lyrical motor mouth; irresistible smile and charm along with his contemporary fashion forward swag, Ras Demo has finally arrived. Celebrating his first British No.1 with Sekkle Up the Score on the UK official reggae chart, the ecstatic father who keeps his music “clean and uplifting” for his “children to sing along to,” tells Life & Style: “I never thought I would get a number one song in my career but having one feels real good. It means a lot to me because reggae music is what I grew up on. To be recognised in the reggae industry is a dream come true.” Thanking “The Almighty” for his success “giving reverence”, Demo originally gained popularity in 1996 with his Jungle club banger Fire, peeking at No.33 in the national charts. Originally known as the Fiyah Man, and Demolition Man, he reveals why he changed his name: “The name Ras Demo was given to me. The owner of Pick Out label came up with it after hearing some of my tracks I voiced for Chris Peckings from Peckings label and said ‘him fi change him name to Ras Demo.’ “I felt the vibes so changed from Demolition Man to Ras Demo. I’m still me, Demolition Man,” he says. “We all go through life acquiring different names along the way.” Responding to the debate whether or not UK reggae fans are different to other reggae lovers around the globe, he replied: “I have definitely noticed over the years British reggae lovers are harder to please especially if they don’t know your songs or it’s a predominate black audience. On the other hand, non-British reggae fans just love good music! They will dance, sing and be merry despite not knowing the tune.” A born reggae baby, Demo describes the sound track to his life listening to influential sound system cassettes from the late 80s and 90s. “Creation Sounds, Stereo 1 Sound, King Jammys, African Symbol, Black Scorpio and Saxon Sound. Not forgetting my two sounds Inn Ting Sound and Justice. Those were my apprentice years.” Naming his mother as his “hero and shero” due to her “resilient strength, love, integrity and work ethics”, Demo who is also a producer and engineer says: “My mother works so hard and has always had I and I back.” Laughing, the award-winning artist, who once competed against Chuck Fenda (before he was famous) in Connecticut and won Best DJ adds: “Vut she always puts me in my place …all now she ah do it!” Despite releasing more than 80 singles over the last two years, the Fire artist – who was awarded Best Breakthrough Artist of the Year 2012 in Toronto, Canada and Best Reggae Dancehall Performer in 2013 – admits he’s never made an album. “Nothing happens before its time! I released my first EP in 2014 and now my first album My Thoughts is scheduled this year. Followed by my label launch party for Inna Mi Yard Productions and 3rd Eye Records.” Thanking his fans for their loyalty and support, he concludes: “I love music, life, my family and the fact the Almighty has blessed I and I with a musical talent. Bless up everybody knowing there is a lot more to come.”