ILL JOE'S LIFE is all about music and entertainment. Rooted in a grandad who sang, a grandma who still teaches violin and a mother who is a choreographer and dance teacher, music for this 17-year-old comes as naturally as breathing. According to him, "is jus' an inborn ting still."

Born Alty George Nunes, Ill Joe's love affair with music began during his potty training days. With obvious pride, he boasts that "from I was about three-years old, I realised I had a thing for music. Like, if somebody was singing I could tell if they had melody or if dem flat. I just have an ear for music."

That puppy love blossomed into a full-fledged relationship soon after entering Wolmer's Boys. Instead of focusing solely on academia, Nunes courted music ferociously, so much so that he decided to quit school for a while when academics became a bit too tedious. With an almost defiant air, he explains his momentous decision.

"All I ever wanted to do was music, DJ, write, build riddims, whatever. So, around third form, I left Wolmer's for music."

His education wasn't totally ignored though as he was privately tutored at home by his mom, renowned local dancer Patsy Rickets, in addition to attending Maths Unlimited where he prepared for several O'Levels.

Interestingly, Ricketts was not too bothered by her son's decision to choose music over school. "I think it's good that he's pursuing music. He's very musical and I push him for that, " she says with obvious pride. She was however quick to add, "I still try to get him to take some subjects, but I also encourage him with his music."

Ill Joe appreciates her unwavering support, stating that "she told me to do my best, do it to the fullest of my ability. That's what I'm doing."

As for his career, Nunes is pulling all the strings he can to become established. In the mid '90s he toured with Jah Children in England, which he says was a great experience. He is now a member of Judgement Squad, an artiste-based group whose members primarily perform individually. He also boasts that a couple of his self-written tunes have gotten airplay on Roots FM. Most exciting though is the debut album he's currently working on.

He has written all the songs for this album - a specialty of his being song writing - including two called Pimp Holiday and Watch Yuself. While making it quite clear though that he is not a 'straight dancehall artiste', Ill Joe admits to doing "a little of this and a little of that. I write party songs, culture songs and girl songs, everyting."

Ill Joe is deeply steeped in music - he deejays, writes and 'builds riddims'. He knows from experience the journey isn't easy and is quick to encourage other young entertainers to "be persistent and persevere." As for his career, Ill Joe is quite confident that his fate lies in some aspect of this sometimes fickle industry. "No matter what, I'll always be involved. Mi caan lose. A win mi come fi win."