André Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

Sean Kingston - Contributed

The name Sean Anderson means very little to most people, but bet your bottom dollar Sean Kingston does.

The fact is they are the same person. Sean Kingston is the performer who topped the charts with his breakout single Beautiful Girls, while Sean Anderson is a partially Jamaican raised humble person.

Whenever Kingston, 17, is spotted these days, he is ever decked out in black, green and gold, the Jamaican colours. This is his way of incorporating the country from which he got much inspiration.

"I think I have the right to wear the colours. I am part Jamaican. I have family in Jamaica," Kingston said. "I think it helps my music in a way, but not a whole lot ... I want people to know where I am from."

Kingston was born in Miami and lived there for seven years with his mother. Around that time, Kingston moved to Jamaica to live with his father.

"My mom wanted me to learn about my roots and where I am from," he said.

supporters

Kingston does not remember which school he went to in Jamaica, but remembers it as an uncomfortable period. After living in Jamaica for three years, he reunited with his mother in Miami. Upon his return to Miami, he started meddling with music and was determined to make a name out of it.

"In a way, I know it was going to happen for me. I was always dedicated and I worked hard," Kingston said.

He had his route planned out. He wouldtake his CDs to the streets and flea market, hoping to find supporters. However, what got Kingston a lot of attention were the songs he posted on the Internet. He received many hits and was quickly becoming a cyber star. Things started looking brighter once Kingston got in touch with producer J.R. Rotem of Beluga Records.

"He had a real distinct sound," Rotem remembers. "I worked with some of the best and I don't see why Sean can't grow to be one of them. His potential is limitless."

Getting the link with Rotem was good, but it was Kingston's perseverance that got him further. Sean said he would call Rotem several times a day and left as many messages. Finally, Rotem invited Sean out to California. There was no second guessing about taking the trip for obvious reasons, as well as and the fact that Kingston was in the process of making a permanent move out there anyway.

He and Rotem began working closely together. One of his most compelling singles, Dry Your Eyes, happens to be inspired by his mother and sister when they both got in trouble with the law and were taken to prison. He sings to his mother and tells her not to be saddened that she's away from the family and to know that they're always there for her.

Sean has maintained his respect for ladies and does not seek to denigrate anybody with his lyrics. His style is also different, as he has created a new genre where rap, reggae, pop, doo-wop and remarkable songwriting all combine into something totally refreshing. As a result, Sean has become the artiste that the older generation wants to pamper and the younger generation will respect.

"I don't think you have to sing about ladies in a bad way. They are to be respected," Kingston said.

suicidal

In Beautiful Girls Kingston sings "you'll have me suicidal, suicidal, when you say it's over". The Sunday Gleaner asked him if Erupt's Gal A Run Dem Head would apply to him in this case. Sean is familiar with Erupt's song, but he does not think Beautiful Girls translates to that. He just wants to elevate women.

Despite what many are saying about the possibility of Kingston being a one-hit wonder, he said is will be working hard to prevent that from happening. He has also not limited his future to singing.

"In the future, I want to have my own label and work on the business side," he said. "I went to acting school when I was younger, so I want to revisit that one day."

Kingston hopes to work with Beres Hammond, Mavado, Jah Cure and Sean Paul. He hopes he will get to perform in front of a Jamaica crowd in about two months. Other than that, he is planning a personal trip to Jamaica to visit his father. Kingston finds it important to keep the link with his father going and they speak every other day.