Sanchez

Sanchez is the stage name of Kevin Anthony Jackson, a Jamaican reggae singer from Kingston, Jamaica. He is identified with dancehall and reggae, and his work also sits within lovers rock, soul and roots reggae. Born in 1964, he grows up in the Stony Hill and Waterford communities in a family with his mother, father, two brothers and two sisters, and he is brought up under strong Christian principles.

Early life and church singing

He sings in church from an early age, first in the junior choir at the Rehoboth Apostolic Church and later in the senior choir, where he becomes the lead singer. He later moves away from church life after starting at St. Andrew Technical High School, when new friends and regular attendance at sound system dances begin to shape his musical interests.

Recording career

His first major hit is Loneliness, produced by Winston Riley and recorded in 1988. The song becomes one of his best-known records and leads to his first appearance at Reggae Sunsplash. In the same year, he is named Singer of the Year, Best Up and Coming, and Best New Artist by Rockers and Bins, and Loneliness is also voted Song of the Year.

Notable songs and awards

After Loneliness, Sanchez records a number of other well-known songs, including Wild Sanchez, Love Mi Lover Bad, a collaboration with DJ Florigan, Fall In Love, If I Ever Fall In Love Again, Pretty Girl, One In A Million, Hello, Amazing Grace and Frenzy. Frenzy brings him the 2002 songwriter of the year award from The Martin International Awards.