“I didn’t decide to be in music, music chose me…” these were the words of a humble but outspoken Honorebel as he reflected on his journey towards stardom and shares his increasing passion for creating engaging music with us at Island Zest.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, reggae artist Honorebel began his career at the tender age of 15. Even though poverty made his childhood a rough one, the courage to rebel against his current circumstances allowed him to pursue his dream of making it big. Now nearly fifteen years later, currently signed to Planet Records Europe, and a long way from his hit debut single “False Hair”, Honorebel is well on his way to mega stardom. He describes this compelling journey as a mission”…to spread peace, love and happiness”.
He explains that his stage name ‘Honorebel’ was given to him by a friend, “first it was Apache Indian’’, then Honourable Apache but when he signed to Shang Records, Honorebel was birthed thanks to Luther Mckenzie”. It was then the evolution was complete.
His natural ability to adapt to changing trends and to challenge the status quo, makes him unable to be labelled as a traditional dancehall artiste. It isn’t surprising that he has easily become an effective cross over artist. He proudly states his accomplishments as a testament to his versatility “Now You See It” peaked #22 on the Billboard top 100 house charts, #9 on MTV hottest jam of the year for 2009 and #1, in 24 different countries. He’s currently #5 in Russia and #33 on the Beatport charts with “Reason to Live”.
True and exciting talent is always in demand, and it wasn’t long before he found himself collaborating with PSquare, and describes his work with American producer Scott Storch simply as “Epic”
His most recent collaboration with long-time friend and Cuban-American artist Pitbull, is easily his favourite. Although their friendship spans over ten years, “seize the night” co-produced by Erick Rydmark and Sven Landholm, a Swedish team known for their success in electronic music, is only their 4th collaboration. He explains however that their friendship makes this partnership easy simply because “working with Pit is like working with myself…we both are workaholics [and] he’s a good guy”
Honorebel is not only a talented and energetic performer but a gifted songwriter: “I write my own songs and write for other artists also”. Artists like Wayne Wonder, Glen Washington, Sean Kingston, Kashief Lindo, Etana, Selena Serrano, Anthony Cruz, Elijah King, Daville are just but a few.
His latest single ‘Caribbean Dream’ has proven itself to be a 2014 summer smash hit, and one that will further solidify his position as a mainstream international artist. Among becoming a fan favourite, ‘Caribbean Dream’ has taken the coveted spot as soundtrack for one of the most popular fitness video games; Zumba Fitness Video Game: World Party.
Being a star must have its incentives and Honorebel is no stranger to them. He explains that when he gets on stage “the reaction never changes with the ladies”. When asked about one of the craziest things a female fan has ever done, his response was classic as he eluded that one fan “put her hand in my pants leg and went all the way up there while I was performing on stage”
Who can blame her, the ladies love dancing to his contagious tunes, and he was pretty specific about how he views the ideal woman: “I like someone that takes care of her body because I do the same”. However, “race and nationality doesn’t matter to me, it’s what on the inside of a person that does”
But sorry ladies, this one is off the market, he is madly in love with his girlfriend and describes her as his major inspiration “we’re inseparable…she molded me into the person I am today…I wrote many songs about her”
Adjusting to stardom is always a challenge; he explains that “I’m just more used to it now and more experienced” and the perks don’t hurt either. When asked about his dream car he proudly responded “I have it already”
So what’s next for Honorebel? Hopefully future collaborations with great artists like Will I Am “he’s always thinking outside the box and I’m that kind of artist, I don’t care to be trendy, I try my best to set trends”, and Trinidadian Soca super star Machel Montano “he was on tour with me and Pitbull, Love his vibes”
More music of course Honorebel stated, “Because the world needs music regardless of what’s going on, sometimes it’s the only solution to get you through the day, your stress, your problems and pain”. With this refreshing attitude is it any wonder that to “heal the world with my music”; “continue being a positive role model for my son and other kids”; “manage or help upcoming artists”; and “make a worldwide #1 record”, are among his top ten lifetime goals.
Like his namesake, Honorebel is a free spirit one that succeeds in setting trends while maintaining humility as an important value. In the words of a future music legend Honorebel stated “Music is that universal Language that unites and inspires. To be able to spread love while doing what you love on a global capacity, that is legendary. ONE LOVE”
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com @honorebel (@honorebel)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealhonorebelfanpage
Website: www.honorebelmusic.com