Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Zabrick - contributed

A deejay, songwriter and sound engineer Christopher 'Zabrick' Reid has many skills to offer the music business. Originally from Portland, Zabrick has already began to make a name for himself in Kingston.

Growing up around music, from a tender age Zabrick was versed in the sounds of Jamaica's greats. He says "music is life to me, its natural. When I'm feeling down it gives me a vibe". His cousins, owners of the sound Black Love, gave him many opportunities to sing on riddims. They then encouraged him to enter contests, and to participate in school concerts. It was at this early age that he understood the importance of developing original lyrics, which were and are still enjoyed by many.

Unique name

It was at Titichfield High that Zabrick got his unique name as a member of the Mad Squad, a group that was recognised at the time. His musical career reached a milestone when he was placed in the top five in the 1998 Portmore Talent Search. He began to get more recognition and his performance moved outside of the community to major events such as Follow the Arrow, Ready Ready, and Spring Break. He is set to perform at Sting 2006. According to Zabrick, while preferring to do dancehall, he also enjoys doing the one drop roots reggae songs as well.

Currently working with Shorejam Studios in Portmore, Zabrick has recorded many songs, some solo, others with artistes such as Vybz Kartel, Warrior King, and Gyptian. Zabrick met these artistes as a sound engineer where he voiced the artistes. Zabrick's single, Victim of the System has already received a 'Mus' Buss' status from the Star. His other single Oh Mama is getting rotation on the airwaves locally as well as in England and Canada.

With his commanding voice Zabrick sees himself making a lot of hits in the future. "I'm not into the hype, I'm doing music for the people. I wanna do a collaboration with Keyshia Cole, I love how she sings. Locally I want to do a song with Beenie Man, people seh we have the same flavour," he said.