By: Joseph Cunningham
Photography By: Marcus Thompson
Reggae Explosion was the name of a recent tour that saw a number of Reggae legends shine in Japan. The likes of Marcia Griffiths, Mikey General and producing genius now performing artiste, Esco, formerly of the duo Leftside and Esco - did justice to the concert's name – as they all exploded on stage.
Interestingly, this was the first high-profile tour for Esco. He is now a solo artiste and is focusing on making this aspect of his career legendary. Amongst other cities the tour took him to Osaka, Japan, the home of the recently concluded World Athletics Championships. Hence, there is no question that a huge international audience got first hand looks at his style of onstage delivery.
"It was a wonderful experience," he said, adding that this is the kind of progression he has dreamt of making as a musician. "I want to take my music and productions and introduce them to a wide audience." A chief mastermind behind the mega hit in the Dancehall, titled," Tuck een yuh belly," Matthew 'Esco' Thompson has also been producer for the likes of Dancehall King Bounty Killer and other top artistes. Noteworthy is the fact that he is the force that has resurrected Future Fambo, formerly known as 'Future Troubles'; the man who delivered the mega hit "Kung Fu" in the early 1990s.
Esco has a number of singles in rotation on the Reggae airwaves such as "She Wants Me," "Toppa di World" and "God is Love."
There was absolutely no doubt that a split between him and Leftside earlier this year was not a planned action! Further, when asked about the case, Esco said that while there is no bitterness between himself and his former musical friend, he is disappointed that a difference in opinions with regards to royalties ended their link. He added, "I believe in loyalty over royalties at anytime. Money was not our problem, so it is really unfortunate."
Regardless of all that, Esco's life is on the "up and up" with the birth of his daughter a few months ago. He says he is thankful for a family life because it keeps him responsible and focused. "I live with my spouse and daughter. Knowing that I have other mouths to feed and to be an example for, brings welcomed changes to my life."
Under the auspices of his new management team, comprised of Anthony Brown and Rudegal, Esco is preparing to release his album titled, "Show Stopper." Look out for this one! Details about the album are not available, but to keep informed contact escodaschoker@gmail.com.
