Singer Richie Stephens.
Photo courtesy Richie Stephens/Pot of Gold Record
Singer Richie Stephens, who will celebrate 40 years in the entertainment business this year, has just dropped a new collaborative single, “Wicked,” with dancehall emperor Shabba Ranks.
“The song invites comparison to Shabba’s 1991 duet with Maxi Priest, titled ‘House Call’”, Jamaican, New York-based, entertainment publicist Anthony Turner told Caribbean Life on Monday.
“The groundbreaking track assured Shabba’s success and introduced reggae/dancehall music to a larger international audience,” he added. “’Wicked’ has the same type of global appeal.”
The single was released on Jan. 1, 2024 on the Pot of Gold Record, with Stephens as co-producer with Florida-based Brandon “Mozart” O’Sullivan.
“It was my dad who made the call to make this collaboration happen,” O’Sullivan disclosed. “He had a connection to some veteran artists, and Richie Stephens became the first option for ‘Wicked’. It’s a blessing to get two veterans on the same track.”
Stephens is also booked for Rebel Salute, which will be staged, at Plantation Cove, St. Ann, Jamaica, on Jan. 19 and 20, 2024.
“This is my 40th anniversary in the music industry. I have achieved many milestones, including picking up two international awards from ASCAP for ‘Song of the Year’ and ‘Digital Sales of the Year’ for my contribution to Rhianna’s single ‘Work’,” Stephens told Caribbean Life on Monday, referring to The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers that licenses the public performance rights of its members’ musical works to venues, broadcasters and digital streaming services.
“I have also dropped a hot new single with the great Shabba Ranks,” he added. “That is 40 years’ experience, 40 years performing and 40 years of hits that I bring to the table.”
Stephens, who made an impromptu appearance at Rebel Salute 2023 with Sanchez, said that short performance “went over well,” but added that he has “much more in store now.”
“I am planning to raise the bar even higher, as I will have a lot more time to delve into my catalogue of hits,” he said.
Turner said other performers at Rebel Salute 2024 include: Third World, Marcia Griffiths, Sanchez, Benji Myaz, Sean Paul, Capleton, Etana, Louie Culture and Luciano, plus a dubplate showcase featuring “River Nile Crocodile” selector Dynamq versus Sky Juice.