Saturday, January 19, 2008

Sicilian reggae performer wows Jamaica

A Sicilian-born singer with pale skin and strawberry-blond hair has become one of reggae music's most unlikely heroes after emigrating to Jamaica.

Alberto D'Ascola, a 32-year-old policeman's son who performs as Alborosie, has conquered the Caribbean island after acquiring dreadlocks, a strong Jamaican accent and the swagger of a reggae star in the seven years since he arrived in Kingston.



He is fast becoming a major celebrity and is about to release his first album, Soul Pirate.

Mr D'Ascola said he was born in Sicily, "a real bad man's turf", and there was a link between the island and Jamaica.



Speaking in Jamaican patois with an Italian accent, he said: "They are close, let me tell you. I don’t know why. Jamaica love the Mafia 'ting'."

He added: "You know, they have a real 'gangsta’ culture in Jamaica. The men always have a hard man attitude. There's this thing about making you kiss the hand. And the music business is really corrupt. If you earn, you have to pay out. And it's not nice when they stick a 9mm gun in your face. It is very cruel and the violence is incredible." However, as a Sicilian, he said: "I really feel at home here. Jamaica is my home."

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