Paul H. Williams, Star Writer

Young, ambitious and talented they are. But, they are not rich in pocket, and are from Corporate Area inner-city communities.

They are Damian 'DJ Crack' Kennedy, Roger 'Sonex' Hylton, Ryan 'Slashachappz' Walker, Kemar 'Danger X' Nelson, and they call themselves Konnectives.

Songwriting and singjaying are what they are skilled at, but for now they are patiently waiting for that big break to make a musical connection with the Jamaican people.

Currently involved in different endeavours to eke out a living, they are also busy preparing themselves with limited funds for the big time, and the hope is that it won't be too long before their daydreams become reality. Especially for DJ Crack, who has been singing from a tender age. The music has always been in his heart, so he couldn't help walking and singing to himself. People thought he was crazy. And he was, and still is, crazily in love with music. Thus the name, DJ Crack.

not easy

Yet, the 26-year-old, originally from St Mary, knows very well that the path to the top is not paved with precious stones. "It's not easy, but yuh done have a love for the music, so you will not give up ... . You have to have determination to get what you want. No road is easy, but I am very determined," declared the youth who wants to become a legendary artiste. Until the right time comes, he is still singing to himself and dreaming.

Sonex, at 19, is the youngest, and he, too, is taking it step by step. It's a slow march into an industry which is replete with politics and divisive elements. Rocking to the rhythm of his own drum and not following the crowd is how he plans to navigate through the sometimes treacherous straits of dancehall.

"Mi cyan mek dem conquer mi style," pronounced the youngster, who also intends to study welding. He intends to be a cut above the rest as he focuses on music that is uplifting and unifying.

conscious

"We are really talented and conscious young men ... . We are very productive people" is how Slashachappz described the group. That's why sponsorship is most welcome.

It's a typical story of individuals with promise and potential, but are bereft funds to make it happen. What they have in abundance, however, is strength in friendship. The bond they share is tight and it manifests itself in how they pool their resources together. It's a hard-knock life made easier by each member making an input.

Danger X has no doubt that the quality of music that the group is producing will take them where they want to be. "To how mi see it, a just the music which I want to open doors for me."

Knocking on those doors had been met with lukewarm receptions in the past, but the budding artistes have improved over time, and people are now more appreciative of their performances, he said. It's hard work, he has admitted, yet he's ready to take it on.

If you should hear their songs for the first time, you wouldn't get the feeling they are yet to make their names nationally. A variety of topics is addressed, and each voice complements the other, especially with the collaborated pieces. The sounds are professional and fresh; the lyrics are strong, well-thought out and creative. Their biggest plus, they said, was their "lyrical capacity". Time will be the judge, but for now, it's their chance to shine.