From modelling to music, Saint International model Tafari Hinds is accepting his roots in music and combining it with his love for fashion.

Son of famed roots singer and songwriter Horace Andy, who is known for songs such as Government Land, You Are My Angel, Skylarking and a cover version of Ain't No Sunshine, Hinds has been trotting the globe as one of the leading male Jamaican faces of fashion. Hinds' journey in the world of entertainment has been a long one, from the days he would sit and watch his father write music to his early years in the performing arts group ASHE.

However, it was his unexpected trip to an audition of Saints' 'Faces of the Summer' model search that led him to international success. When The Sunday Gleaner spoke with the model-turned-singer via telephone from a shoot in London, he discussed his early years of being a rookie in the modelling world. "I didn't know what modelling was going to be like and it's been so interesting and new and exciting," he said. "My family has been very supportive of me. They haven't experienced this world either, so every new thing I would go and tell them about it."

powerful brands

Since getting his start in 2001, Hinds has climbed to the top of the fashion world, being the first black male model on the cover of GQ STYLE. He was also the first Caribbean male model to appear in British Vogue and has international campaigns for powerful brands such as French Connection UK, Vivienne Westwood and John Richmond. He has become a globetrotter, working in London, Milan, Paris, Germany and New York. Of all the designers he has worked with, Hinds said "the powerful but humble" Dame Vivienne Westwood is his all-time favourite. Westwood is one of fashion's most influential figures, credited as a pioneer of the punk movement. In the 1980s, Women's Wear Daily hailed her as one of the six most influential designers of all time.

While his modelling career has been soaring, Hinds is ready to merge his two loves for the future. He is currently in London, where he is based, getting voice training and balances his time between the studio and the runway. A fan of all musical genres, especially reggae and rock, Hinds defines his sound as a fusion of rock and electric dub/reggae.

"I've done a lot of songs and have released about two or three. I've been getting offers from producers but I'm holding back 'cause I'm still discovering me. My music is an interesting thing cause when I sing you can tell the roots aspect of my music," said Hinds.

One of his first songs is titled Flashing Lights based on a personal experience at a paparazzi-filled event. There is also I'm Out To Get You and A Man Of Stone, which he has a preliminary video for on YouTube. "The response has been really, really amazing 'cause people never expected me to sing, so it's great," Hinds said.

Saint International boss Deiwght Peters believes Hinds will reach far as a musician, saying, "I am very happy for Tafari. He is loyal and passionate about his career.This is just another manifestation of his talent and ambitions. A Saint model is taught that there are many boundaries to conquer to be at the top of the game for the long term and Tafari is testament to that philosophy.Tafari is not afraid to take risks and that is important in this business."

opportunities

Peters added that Hinds was taking full advantage of one of the many opportunities modelling affords. "I do believe it's just another way of his image projection that can only augur well for him in the long run on the international stage. Models must understand the runway is just one aspect of a career in entertainment and so it's important for them to seek to upgrade their global profile beyond the runway."

Hinds will combine his passion for the runway with his music on a forthcoming project but he was tight-lipped on the details. "I'm suppose to be doing a live performance and collaboration with myself, fashion and art. It's on December 10 and can be watched live around the world," he said.

Siant model Tafari Hinds - Contributed photos