JESSE “College Boy Jesse” Stewart is giving thanks for life with the release of his first single, Signal, as the new lead singer of D’All Starz band, after the death of his mentor and former band frontman Dexter “Blaxx” Stewart.
The song features vocals by Blaxx, who died on March 28 of covid19, and Grenadian producer, songwriter and artiste Andrew “Hitz” Phillip,
Stewart said itcalls on the fans of soca music to signal to all those who survived the pandemic – to celebrate the “return to the road” for the upcoming Carnival 2023 season.
“As we know a lot of us lost a lot of people in the last two years. It is about highlighting the fact that we survived. Put up yuh hand and signal for meh.
“We are about to return to the road. So I think we are calling out for all the survivors to signal for those who have survived to make it back on the road – the masqueraders, the bandleaders, the pan players, the feters.”
Stewart said Signal is all about giving thanks for life, which is affirmed by the song’s opening verse, which says: "Thank the father for this life, time has come to fete as one, again/Get the worries off your mind, come in front and let’s have fun again."
Since its release two weeks ago, Stewart said, the feedback has been tremendous. Last week, the song was number 18 on streaming platform Soca Source, which tracks all the streaming and downloading of soca music across the world.
“We have the radio stations also showing love. We have the digital platforms with the fans of soca across the world showing support.”
[caption id="attachment_988827" align="alignnone" width="927"] Lead singer of D’All Starz band, Jesse "College Boy Jesse" Stewart is giving thanks for life with his single Signal which features vocals from the late Dexter 'Blaxx" Stewart. - Angelo Marcelle[/caption]
The band performed the song for the first time at Runaway event on November 9, Stewart said it was an emotional experience.
“To actually have a song with Blaxx and not be on the stage sharing it with him was emotional. But exciting times to share the music with the Trinidad fans of soca.
“People were just listening because they couldn’t believe that we lost Blaxx, but he is still sharing new music. And having me there to share the legacy in a collaboration was special.”
Exciting times in my career
The reigning Groovy Soca Monarch said he is blessed to be a part of D’All Starz band, in spite of the increased responsibility as the lead singer. Contrary to what many may think, he doesn’t feel any pressure from the public to live up to Blaxx’s legacy.
“When they called on me to join the band, I was called to join Blaxx in the forefront. It wasn’t a situation where it was just me alone out there. They believed in my abilities, and this is the energy that I am getting from them. So I don’t really feel any pressure at all. I am really happy for the attention that the responsibility gives.
“Overall it has been nothing less than a blessing…definitely exciting times in my career.”
Stewart, who has been putting out music
