Ritical: BVI’s conscious youth

By Suelika N. Creque
Editor-SKNVibes.com

Jason Frett a.k.a. Ritical

ROADTOWN, Tortola - WITH strong messages of peace, love and ‘rasta livity’, Jason Frett a.k.a. Ritical of the British Virgin Islands is on his way to becoming the BVI’s top recording artist.

Love and respect for one another is strong in his music that are uplifting and positive for the oppressed with a sense of comfort that there’s a better life for those who suffer.

Music has always been a part of this young artiste’s life, as most of his paternal family members were active in music.

“They had the number one band back in those days called, The bad ones”, he said. “So music is in my blood. I was always good at poetry from young, so writing comes natural. But I really started writing music when I was like 18, when I start to convert into Rastafari way of living.”

Frett said his team is currently being structured legally along with networking and is doing promotions in other Caribbean islands and the United States, and is also looking at shooting videos for his songs.

Some of his songs include ‘Black Woman’, ‘Hail up Jah’, ‘Love is the greatest’, ‘Love is worth more’, ‘Badness outta style’ and, his most recent, ‘Carnival is about love’.

Ritical performing at the recently concluded Carnival celebrations in Tortola

“Violence is an issue that’s dominating our beautiful islands more rapidly in these times, so I would love to stress that badness is outta style,” he said. “Too much of these vibes enhances when our Carnival celebrations are taking place, forgetting ourselves as a people…Carnival is about love.”

He said his music has been well received in the BVI and the United States Virgin Islands, where he has performed, and also places such as the BVI Music Festival, International Festival Reggae Nights, as well as shows in St. Croix, Virgin Gorda and St. Thomas.

He has also shared the stage with artists such as Sizzla, Capleton, Shaggy, Sean Paul, Beres Hammond, Maxi Priest, Morgan Heritage, Daville and more.

With such deep lyrics one may wonder where Frett gets his inspiration from to write these songs, but, according to the artist, the Father up above is who inspires him.

“I get my inspiration from the Father; He gives me the meditation to write for the people and to be able to relate to the upliftment. Before I write I pray and ask Him to give me the words that He desire for me to sing to His people so that they can truly ‘overstand’ and relate themselves to it and gain some upliftment in whatever way He feels best.”

He also said his personal life experiences helped him to produce “vibes and teachings” for others.

He wants to take his music as far as he can, travelling the world and spreading words of love and upliftment, discouraging hate and injustice, and he also has aims of crossing over to soca music as well.

“I plan to be received on a top level also in the soca and reggae music arena at the same time, and lock both arenas at the same time which was never done,” he said. “I’m doing it versatile in these times to showcase my unlimitedness.”

“I also want to help my people in whatever way possible and help upcoming artists to reach the same place.”

He advices upcoming artistes to first give praise to the Almighty, to stay attentive to their goals and not let anyone discourage them.

“Be loving and kind to people looking not for your reward from man but from the Almighty that created us all and to all positive success. There's a natural fight that’s automatic, don’t lose faith and focus, it’s part of the journey to prosperity,” he said. “He that endure the same shall be saved, keep writing and singing, and try your best to remember Jah for only Him can grant you life and prosperity abundantly.”

Frett is the father of one daughter whom he says gives him significant reasons to strive for all good things.

“I would also like to thank my mom - she is number one loving mom - for supporting me 1000 percent, encouraging me to stay focus and reminding me that I’m blessed; also my sisters and brothers same way,” he said.

He also extended thanks to everyone else who has been playing a role in his career and encouraging him, including his father and brethrens.

“Give thanks unto the Most High every time, Haile Selassie the First, ‘Man was born in her and the highest himself shall establish her’, Psalms 87.”

For more on Frett log on to www.myspace.com/iriticalsounds