Windel, renamed “Gyptian” from constantly tying a shirt on his head resembling a Pharaoh, competed in a number of local talent shows and festivals. But it wasn’t until he recorded the socially conscious hit, “Serious Times,” that his fame spread throughout Jamaica.

The Roots

From rural St. Andrew, Jamaica, Windel Beneto Edwards was always influenced by music. Raised by his Adventist mother and Rastafarian father, Windel grew up singing in his mother’s church choir and listening to his father’s music. His father a former promoter quickly recognized his son’s musical talents. His parents introduced him to Mr. Wong, a producer in Portmore, St. Catherine, so Windel could advance his career.

At first, Windel didn’t take the apprenticeship seriously. But Mr. Wong sharpened his talents and developed his skills further. Windel, renamed “Gyptian” from constantly tying a shirt on his head resembling a Pharaoh, competed in a number of local talent shows and festivals. But it wasn’t until he recorded the socially conscious hit, “Serious Times,” that his fame spread throughout Jamaica. He later released “I Can Feel Your Pain” in 2008, with his seductive lyrics and a very prevalent R&B sound.

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Next up was his 2010 album, the appetizer to the remixed single, “Hold You” feat. Nicki Minaj which gained international acclaim and quickly became the 2010 Summer anthem. After earning cross-over fame, his 2013 album “Sex, Love & Reggae” allowed him the freedom to fully present himself on an album.

Gyptian says that all of his other albums had been part of him, but this one was completely and utterly him. He released a collaboration album with I Wayne, “Defending the Roots,” in late 2016. The album combines some of their older hits with new songs they developed.

The Musical Influence

Gyptian’s influences come from growing up in Jamaica, his African heritage, and the life he continues to grow and prosper in. He is inspired by peace and love; he says his music is only about those two subjects, and you can’t help but recognize all the love[in] in “Hold You”.

The Sound

“All On Me” was released in 2015 on the Reggae Gold 2015 compilation album. He shows us again his sensual lyrics paired with his innovative beats of combining old school reggae, pop, and dancehall. Contrary to the stereotype that dancehall music degrades women, a well versed Gyptian sings of love and proposes to the woman at the end of the video.

He sings:
“Cause tonight she put her whole on me
Now she’s in my life this is all I’m dreaming it to be
Put her all on me
This is how I want to be
This is how I want my love to be”

The Road

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