Don Reid to release debut album

Don Reid, the bank manager-turned-songwriter and recording artiste, will be releasing his debut album Boomshots on his own Sampleman Music label on January 23.

The album, which will feature 17 tracks, fuses reggae, dancehall, Afrobeat and country and western rhythms.

Although a newcomer to the industry, Reid has carved out a niche for his special brand of wit and social commentary.

"My mission is to build a brand that is recognisable locally and internationally, and deliver great music with intelligent lyrics and excellent arrangements. I worked with three producers, and most have branded it as the 'laugh and rock' album as the songs feature commentary about social issues with a hilarious twist," he said.

He is planning a major promotional push on social media and radio this month to support the project.

Reid first burst onto the entertainment scene in September 2018 with the single Hospital Food, and followed up with Courts, a parody of the hit single Toast by Grammy-winning artiste Koffee. It earned Reid appearances on a number of major media platforms, and events in Jamaica and North America.

Last year, Reid also released a short film chronicling his life story, titled I Know Who I Am. He has performed at popular local calendar events such as the Jamaica International Kite Festival, Powerful Men and Women Concert and Relay for Life.

The Kingston-born Reid was raised in St Ann, where he attended Ferncourt High. He got a job in the financial sector as a bank teller at 16. Today, he is a manager at one of the larger branches of National Commercial Bank.

"I always wrote songs and sang and deejayed, and every chance I got, I performed at public functions," he said. "I have always known that my destiny is to positively impact the lives of many people all over the world and this is the channel through which it is all unfolding."