Alozade

b. Michael Sterling, c.1976, Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies. Alozade’s interest in the dancehall scene prompted him to abandon his UK-based computer studies and pursue his aspirations as a DJ. On his return to Jamaica he linked up with the Stone Love crew who released his debut ‘Top Of The Line’ - indicating his beginnings as a ‘dancehall don’. Alozade’s follow-up, ‘Mr Mention’, was produced by Dennis ‘Star’ Hayes and proved to be the forerunner to a series of local hits. The producer Byron Murray offered to act as Alozade’s manager and released his chart-topping hit, ‘Street Dreams’, on the In The Streetz label. While retaining Murray’s service as manager Alozade continued recording with other producers to ensure he maintained a high profile in the capricious world of the dancehall. In summer 2000 Alozade recorded the reproachful ‘Bad Man Nah Pet Gal’ with producer Flabba Malcolm, that stayed on the chart for four months. The result of Alozade’s high profile on the chart led to the release of ‘Chi Chi Crew’ with General B’s ‘Dem Nuh’ and ‘Raise Your Hands’ with Chico’s ‘Move Excited’ as well as ‘Bad Man Cousin’, and ‘More Woman’. Having established himself in the dancehall he became something of a sex symbol in Jamaica where his adoring female fans often besieged him, both while in performance and on the street. Alozade, like many other up-and-coming performers in Jamaica, released innumerable singles but no albums, the recognised means to establishing reputations further afield. Alozade’s distinction was enhanced when ‘Bad Man Nah Pet Gal’ was featured on the release of the VP compilation Strictly The Best Volume 25.