St. Thomas-born dancehall artiste Java is really proud of the achievements of Olympic 110 metres hurdle champion, Hansle Parchment, who also hails from St. Thomas, on his victory at the recently concluded Tokyo Olympics in Japan.
“I really feel proud of his achievements as a St. Thomas native because it shines a positive light on our our parish and also shows that there are a lot of stars from the east,” the artiste whose real name is Sherwayne Anthony Stewart, said.
Parchment’s victory was one of the biggest upsets at the Tokyo Olympics as he upset American Grant Holloway who may have been the favourite on paper, to record a memorable victory. Another Jamaican, Ronald Levy, ran 13.10 seconds to secure his bronze medal.
Signed to the New Wavez Entertainment label, Java is an emerging dancehall star in his own right, having gained a big underground following with the trigger-pulling ‘Badness’ in late 2020 which was produced by The 6ixreal Records. The track amassed over 50,000 views on Youtube, and over 15,000 views on Audiomack.
Java followed up that effort with the get-money anthem ‘Zelle Transaction’ which was released with vibesy visuals over five months ago.
He is presently promoting the risque ‘Bad Girl’, which was released on the New Wavez Entertainment label, on August 13th.
“People love the flavour, the girls are blowing my DM saying that this is their summer anthem, bad girl, that ah my type,” he said, laughing.
He grew up in the York Hill district which is in the community of Seaforth. He attended the St. Thomas Technical High School before moving on to the Seaforth High School. His stage name, given to him by his friends, is an acronym that means: jovial, adventurous, versatile and ambitious. .
He recorded his first song, “Turn Up the Radio”, which was produced by Flydiewise Production, in 2014.
He has performed at several community stage shows, including Popcaan’s annual Back to School give away concert where he has gained a repuation for his powerful onstage presence.
“I would describe my music as motivational, soulful, unique, modern and authentic. Mi ah come fi take my place inna dancehall,” the confident 22 year-old said.
