Turbulence salutes Sizzla - Says he owes his career to Dada
Reggae firebrand Turbulence has credited musical icon Sizzla Kalonji as the driving force behind his career, declaring that without the Sold as a Rock hitmaker, there would be no Notorious singer.
After delivering a high-energy set at Sizzla's 'Rise To The Occasion' 30th anniversary celebration at Sabina Park on Sunday, Turbulence said stepping on that stage was more than just another performance.
"That moment for me on stage meant everything, because Sizzla and Mr [Philip] 'Fatis' Burrell were there from inception," he said.
Burrell, who died in 2011, was a record producer who provided mentorship to entertainers and was instrumental in shaping many careers. Turbulence said that along with Sizzla, Burrell, who ran the Xterminator record label, taught him a lot about music.
"They taught me a lot in terms of music and the business, and the mathematical part of the music - the bars, the keys," he said.
Turbulence recalled that 'Dada', as Sizzla is called, was the first artiste to take him beyond Jamaica's borders, giving him the exposure that launched his career internationally.
"Mi affi give thanks to Sizzla because he was the first man to bring mi on tour and mek mi know di world before anybody knows Turbulence. Without Sizzla, there wouldn't be a Turbulence."
As he looked out at the massive crowd of fans from Jamaica and abroad who filled Sabina Park to celebrate Sizzla's 30th year in the business, Turbulence said the moment was proof of the contribution made to the music by the reggae royalty. He was especially pleased that Sizzla witnessed the outpouring of love and support.
"I don't know why people affi wait until some people pass fi gi dem wreath, instead of roses and flowers. Suh acknowledgement is good and motivating, and wi a acknowledge dat di man [Sizzla] is a king, and he is doing the work and making it happen," Turbulence said.
"I'm happy that he has lived to see this occasion," added Turbulence, who is known for hits such as Notorious, Real Warrior, and Blood Dem Out.
Sunday's celebration, which featured stellar performances from reggae-dancehall greats like Etana, Spragga Benz, Christopher Martin, and Bugle, was a vibrant reminder of Sizzla's three-decade reign as one of Jamaica's most influential artistes.
From the front row to backstage, the air buzzed with admiration. "Oh gosh man, Sizzla is the biggest inspiration pon every level," declared reggae crooner Tarrus 'Singy Singy' Riley, vibing to the rhythm of the night.
"The biggest thing to me is him impetus and him zeal to work - his tenacity," he added.
The Simple Blessings artiste stressed the importance of honouring people when they are here.
"Give people dem 'flowers' while dem alive. Sizzla, salute and congrats, man -- mi rate yuh to di max," Riley said.