By: Sophia McKay

Ramone Drake was born on February 25, 1987 in a little town called Linstead located in the parish of St Catherine, Jamaica, the third of six siblings for parents Deloris Davy – and Donovan Drake. Ramone attended the Charlemont High School throughout his years at school he honed his skills at writing and singing. His love for Hip-Hop contributed to his becoming a deejay at first but the young, prolific artiste/songwriter eventually became a professional Sing-Jay of Reggae and Dancehall music. In 2006 Ramone decided on a name for his self, his thoughts were to create one that best suited his vocal style and way of putting melodies to his lyrics, hence he came up with the name Melloquence. “Melloquence is a fusion of the words melody and eloquence” states the 23 year old entertainer.

Melloquence’s musical influences are Gentleman, Sizzla, Tanya Stephens and Dameon Marley. He writes for several up and coming Europe base Reggae artistes and have written tracks for an ad for Dancehall Diva D’Angell. However, his first big break came about when he auditioned and made Top Ten in the local Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall competition. The talent show competition is aired live on Television Jamaica (TVJ) and provides much publicity and exposure for its competitors.

The part time mini television series is held annually over a 6 months period. Competitors from all 14 parishes of Jamaica are placed in groups of 10 by a panel of judges and a winner is chosen from the final 10. Although his stay in the competition ended prematurely, Melloquence manage to create the opportunity of working with one of Jamaica’s most successful Producers “Cordel Skatta Burrell” who was also one of the judges on the panel. He recorded several singles for Skatta but only one of the songs and collaboration with an artiste called Classikal Eska titles “Smoke and Get High”, were given much radio airplay and a video was also done to enhance the promotion of it. “Smoke and Get High” however got pulled from the airwaves as the local Broadcasting Commission enforced certain laws that prohibit certain music content from getting airplay. Melloquence has performed on major local shows Manchester Fiesta and Island explosion

Melloquence’s tireless efforts in self promotion on the internet finally paid off with an online meeting with Carl “Supa C” Newman of Next Selection Sound, Supa owns a Sound System called “Next Selection and this was actually how we met” says Melloquence. Realising Melloquences potential they decided to work together which led to Next Selections parent company Big Already Entertainment offering Melloquence a long term contract before releasing two singles locally entitle, No Get Away and No Fool For Love. Big Already Entertainment has great plans for Melloquence who they believe has a bright future ahead!

Big Already Entertainment is represented in Jamaica by New Image Promotions

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