47 Ronzy, is a young and eclectic Afrobeats artiste from Trinidad whose debut single “Tonda,” uses a unique blend of haunting melodies, mesmerizing vocals, and an unforgettable image destined to carve a niche on the global music scene.
“Music is a way for me to marry my culture and the language of my soul, and that is what people hear when they listen and watch me perform,” said 47 Ronzy.
The songwriter and songstress has the full backing and support of global superstar and cricketer-turned-artiste, Dwayne Bravo (DJ Bravo) who signed her to his 47 Productions, a company named after his cricket jersey number.
Bravo whose ‘Champion‘ has surpassed 147 million views on YouTube discovered 47 Ronzy through a social media talent competition he sponsored in 2022 through ‘Collab’ – a digital App for creatives.
Reflecting on what drove him to sign her to his label, DJ Bravo shared, “I am not even signed to my label and I signed her – that must tell you something! She has a captivating sound that lingers long after the music stops, and you can’t manufacture something like that – that is raw talent. She has the potential to transcend borders and cultures, and that is what makes her universally appealing.”
47 Ronzy and Dj Bravo join WMV to talk about their individual journeys and Dwayne shares lessons he learned from Cricket that he applies to his life as an entertainer.
Welcome to Jamrock 47 Ronzy
First time in Jamaica, I love Jamaican food, real authentic seasoning and the culture, I went to Uptown Mondays.
Have you learned anything since you’ve been here?
That you have to dance for everything.
Bravo why did you think Jamaica is the place to break new music?
Jamaica is the home of music. Every artist’s dream is to have an impact in Jamaica. Artists from the Caribbean and Africa want to visit Jamaica. It’s a place that I love, Jamaica is the only place I go into my pocket and buy a plane ticket. I enjoy coming here.
Jamaicans embrace you from the music she and as a cricketer, what made you switch from Sports to music?
We all grew up listening to music or playing sports. I have an elder brother, he was like a big fan of Buju and I am a big fan of Beenie. Getting involved in music is because of Beenie Man. He is the only human I met and I was star struck. Beenie is like one big superstar but like a child at the same time.
You model your style from Beenie Man?
Everything just like him, from dress to singing style to gimmicks. He is the first person I said ‘ I would love to do a song with you’ and he said alright and we recorded a song and Beenie was right there with me and coached me through the entire session and after that time I said music was too hard. But I was so happy because I have a song with Beenie Man.
I assume you have to train hard to be a cricketer, but you are saying music is harder than being a cricketer?
Yes, cause everybody has their own talent and their own gift but it’s hard work. That experience was a humbling one and I got to appreciate artists more. They literally had to hold my hand step by step.
Your hit single “Champion” is now a staple in the dancehall, what was that like when you started to hear your song in the clubs?
It was a great feeling, because I started doing music because of love. ‘Champion’ was the fourth song I made. and it became a global anthem and the kids and everybody started doing the ‘Champion’ dance.
Do you own your Masters for your music?
Yes, in the early years I didn’t know anything about these things then I started to understand the importance of owning your masters. Before I do any production I get an agreement and pay whoever has to be paid and get the paperwork done up.
Any advice for your fellow sports stars who are into music?
Gayle and Bolt have definitely taken it very seriously and he has the ambition to collaborate. What would be great is for the three of us to link up and do a production.
What kinda music will you be doing 47 Ronzy?
Afrobeats, Reggae and Soca, and a little bit of R&B and I want to touch dancehall too. We want to be versatile to have a wide reach of different audiences.
Which Afrobeats artists inspire you?
Yemi Alade, then Burna Boy, then Davido and the last goes on.
Where do you plan to take her Bravo?
We have to put together a team to work together but internationally. The sky’s the limit. I tell her to think big and embrace other people’s culture, and be open minded.
Do you see any artist in Jamaica you would sign?
I ain’t seen nobody yet because I haven’t really been searching. I have a break now but when my cricket starts back it’s a busy period for me. Best to find one artist and sign one and at the moment, and I sign 47 Ronzy to give her the best so she can live the dream.
Ronzy, how do you manage the music industry as a woman?
So far I have had to find myself. What I like and who I want to be outside. My boss right here allows me to be me and be free, he (Bravo) has allowed me to be free so its not a pressure.
As a cricketer you travel the world to India, Dubai, do they receive you as a musician in these countries?
Yes, we are well received on that side of the world hence we try to make out music that our fan base over there can accept. Music is very powerful and any song that is coming out of 47 productions must have some type of meaning. When someone hears your sound they must enjoy listening to your music with their son or daughter. My music must inspire people and send a message. That’s why when you are writing you must be in a good space.
All the big sports stars have massive deals, do you have any such deal and how important has it been to build your brand?
In the peak of my career I had lucrative deals with Adidas and Puma. It is important to build your brand so your legacy carries on. I am about to bring out my clothing line and non-alcoholic beverage.
Are you looking to sign 47 Ronzy to a major label?
That is the end game. I am just a start up label but my vision is to sign artists and get them from local to regional with the intention of a major label coming in and taking over.
What are the disciplines you took from sports to the entertainment industry?
One thing I can’t deal with entertainers and artists is lateness. Artists come 11 :00 am when you say 10:00 am. I will come downstairs and make sure everybody is ready because the athlete side of me ‘time is time’. My upbringing and discipline is like that.
