Laden and mother Paula Forbes share a plate of food, like old times, at his home in Junction, St Elizabeth, on Monday.

Dancehall artiste Laden seems to have taken the spotlight, to the surprise of many, as few would have expected the 'Time To Shine' lyricist to defy the odds after an unfortunate top-10 finish in the 2006 Digicel Rising Stars competition.

Laden grabbed the spotlight last year when he signed with Big Ship Records and later released inspiring songs like Really Like You, I'm Sorry and Working Hard.

When THE STAR travelled with the fast-rising sing-jay back to his hometown in Junction, St Elizabeth, recently, we caught up with two women Laden deemed 'most important', to find out more about his humble origins.

Just before moving to Kingston, most of Laden's time in the rural community was spent with Mama Whitter, a lady who recalled the singer as a humble child growing up, or almost.

"Not to that. Sometimes when I talk he doesn't hear at first, but as soon as I open my mouth the second time him start behave," said Whitter.

She also said that Laden's amazing run in the talent competition is still fresh in her memory: "I felt very nice ... I cried and couldn't stop hitting myself. I have four children and none of them go against him."

His mother, Paula Forbes, wasn't short on words either and was very quick to praise her son, as she recalled the hard times they endured at the beginning of his music career.

"When he was about 12 he used to take songs and change the lyrics and make them his own. I saw a star there at that time," said Forbes.

"If I wasn't there for him, by now, he would have been misled by people. I had to stand firm with him," she added.

The former Haile Selasie High student's schoolmates remember him as a helpful and jovial person. Laden admitted that living without a father figure proved troublesome at times.

For Forbes and Whitter, Laden's success comes as no surprise and the two hope he will continue on the same path.

"If he continues doing the same thing, then he will go far. Just try to act the right way and I must say that we are very proud of him," they said.

Laden said his most memorable times were spent with Mama Whitter, seen with him in this photo. - Roxroy McLean

Don't miss your chance to talk to Laden!

Laden - file After weeks of seeing STAR of the Month Laden in the paper, fans will get the chance to interact with him on the Internet and telephone on Tuesday, March 24.

Laden will be online from 5-6 p.m. on www.go-jamaica.com. Then fans can call into THE STAR from 6-7 p.m. to talk to the artiste at 1-888-THE-STAR (1-888-843-7827).

This is your chance to talk to the versatile artiste who has been blazing the airwaves.