Vybrant born Andre Johnson – Electrifying, Energetic, Zesty, Zippy and radiant are just few of the words used to describe one of the most colorful characters that is cutting & creating a niche in the music industry in the form of Andre “Vybrant” Johnson.
Vybrant hails from the mystifying parish of St. Thomas, from the community of Yallahs where the love for music started to find its way in his young and restless life as he attended the Yallahs High School. With a strong background in drama, dancing and writing; Vybrant is seen as the whole package, a uniquely gifted individual who has the ability to woo his audience with incredible vocal skills, cutting edge lyrics and astounding moves and frolics.
A practicing Rastafarian, Vybrant’s career has gone through numerous phases as initially he was a hardcore DJ who goes by the name of “Squeechie Killer”. Serious medical issues slowed down the career of this bright young star. This caused a life that was heading in a devastating direction of gang and violence to find Rastafari as the message of His Majesty and Marcus Garvey found its way in the heart of Andre, as a result his direction and views on life took a 360 degree turn.
Vybrant’s career has taken him in the presence of most of Jamaica’s prolific producers who holds him in high regards as a skilled songwriter and vocalist, namely Bobby Digital, Computer Paul, Global Music, Gamble House, Dean Fraser, Major Links, Flava and others.
With over ten years of persistent work on developing his craft, Vybrant has worked alongside some of Jamaica’s top performers such as Queen Ifrica, Tarrus Riley, Turbulence, Romain Virgo, Luciano and a horde of others. He has graced many of Jamaica’s top reggae festivals and other events island wide.
With the release of his new single “Ears Hard” on his management label Major Links and a video to go along, Vybrant’s career is set to take the world by storm; a bright star is in the making.
JK. Where did you get the name Vybrant from?
Vybrant. After the change of direction and the flair I bring towards the business, the glow of my message performing one night a female friend gave me the name from that it’s just vybrant.
JK. When you were in School you studied performing arts, but at what point in your life did you know that you would be an entertainer?
Vybrant. By the age 15,16..
JK. There was a time in your career where you had to face major challenges both personal and medical, During that time who were the people that encouraged you to keep going?
Vybrant. family and frenz
JK. What other producers, songwriters and/or Artistes do you see as your primary inspirations?
Vybrant. Every genre of music, different artiste diferent style, dont really have any specific to pin point
JK. I heard that you also have a passion for acting, if you could work with any other actors who would it be?
Vybrant. lol, Martin Lawrence of course, Denzel Washington, Robert de Niro, Angelina Jolie, Julia Roberts and Halle Berry – have to do a scene with her.
JK. I know the message behind your big tune “Ears Hard”; Can you please share the concept behind the song with others?
Vybrant. The concept of ear hard is the transtion in my life with friends who didn’t want to listen what others had to say about life and things not to do which lead to the lost of some which are examples to others, so i saw it fit to do this song because everybody can relate.
JK. What was your experience like working with the honorable Mr. Dean Fraser?
Vybrant. Well it was a great feeling to know a reggae icon like that took the time out to help curve my career to be uplifting and positive towards sociaty
JK. Is there an Artiste you want to work with that you have not yet had the opportunity to work with?
Vybrant. I would like to work with Toots Hibbert, Jimmy Cliff, Lauryn Hill, Gentleman, Nas, Kymani and Stephen Marley
JK. What do you like to do for fun outside of working on music?
Vybrant. Just having convasations with friends and family, cooking, letting others laugh by giving jokes…jus holdin a vibe you know.
JK. Do you have any upcoming events or projects that you are working on?
Vybrant. Yes, currently voicing tracks for my album and some singles….and a couple club appearances
Jk. I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview. Before you go is there anybody that you should like to Big Up and also please tell your fans the best place to get more information about you and your music?
Vybrant. Just big ups to Mark, Dwizzle, Crysla, Trupa Ras, big up to my mother (mama v), all my family and frenz that are supporting me, the majorlinks family, the facebook family, Dutch money, dub master lynch, irievibes radio….Everybody that supports me over the years and the ones to come. http://www.myspace.com/vybrantfire
Interview By : Shiquita Woodyard TJKS STAFF EDITOR
