2 days ago
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Daniel ‘Chino’ McGregor stepped into the hot seat on World Music Fuse (WMV) with the calm confidence of a veteran and the hunger of an artist still building. First on the agenda is a Valentine’s Day concert in Cayman dubbed Roots Rock Reggae, then we got into the details of his upcoming joint album with his brother, Stephen.
The lyrical artist is not coasting on legacy, he is creating new chapters.
“You just expect nothing short of full force,” he said about the upcoming Cayman show. “It’s this Saturday, Valentine’s Day… highly anticipated. Everybody’s anticipating this event.”
The Cayman concert lineup is family affair he says, including—“myself, Stephen DiGenius, the Captain (Freddie McGregor)… my sister Yeshemabeth “Shema” McGregor, our band Code Red Band.”
Roots Rock ReggaeChino addressed the perception that he’s not as visible on local stages.
“No, no, no. Let’s rephrase that. I don’t do a lot of shows in Jamaica,” he says as he quickly clarified: “We never stopped performing, never stopped touring… Right through. The last time you’ve seen me was Sumfest.”
The brother brought the same stellar set to Reggae Sumfest in 2023.
With a steady touring presence overseas, Chino has been active across key global markets.
“US primarily, of course. Europe side, UK, Japan, etc., which is a huge market for me, personally.”
And Japan, in particular, holds a special place.
“That’s one of the blessings with having a catalog… a solid catalog. When you have hit songs, then there will always be demand… for your presence as an artist.”
Balance, Substance, and Social Commentary
Chino’s catalog reflects versatility—romantic anthems, thought-provoking records, and moments of social commentary.
“From time to time, we always try to balance. So we make music for the ladies, and we always… the thought-provoking music. And, of course, we touch on current and social topics.”
That balance has defined his era—an era when he was “dropping song after song,” each structured with intention.
The key advice he’d give to emerging artists, Chino says: “Always make sure you’re in music for the right reasons… Don’t just enter music for the perks.”
He also stressed professionalism and reverence for the culture: “Study what was before you and who were before you… You’re traveling with the weight of these great people. You’re not representing yourself. You represent the Bobs and the Dennis Browns… the Shabbas and the Supercats… all these great people.”
“So when it’s all said and done, let it be said that you are a part of the solution and not a part of the problem.”
From Living Room Dreams to Global Stages
One of the most heartfelt moments of the interview came as Chino reflected on growing up with his brother, Stephen.
Stephen “Di Genius” Mcgregor, Chino Mcgregor/ Image by World Music Views“Stephen has been the music professional since he was like five years old,” Chino revealed.
Before the hits and plaques, there were makeshift instruments and imagination. “We started out doing living room performances… popping in the Reggae Sunsplash VHS… watching Beres Hammond and other… just mimicking that.”
He further painted the scene vividly:
“The butter cookie tin with board hammers—that was the drum kit. A tennis racket with a belt—that was the guitar. A mop or broomstick with a roll-on—that was the microphone. Cut up a black T-shirt—that was the locks. That’s where that start from.”
Their chemistry today, he says, is simply organic.
“The chemistry between us both in studio and stage is just a natural chemistry.”
The Sound of the Ship
That chemistry now fuels a major upcoming project: a joint album.
“One of the upcoming projects now is a collab… a joint project with myself and Steven. It’s called The Sound of the Ship.”
Stephen is steering the production entirely.
“Soley. He’s the sole producer on that track… That’s going to be something amazing,” Chino says.
But that’s only half the story. Chino also revealed:
“We’re releasing a full-length reggae album… Within a couple of weeks, you’ll be seeing some visuals and some stuff from both.”
“Why Wouldn’t Any Artist Want a Grammy?”
When asked about awards, Chino was honest.
“I have a plaque as a composer,” he says. But would he want the trophy? “Yeah, of course… I think it would mean anything to any artist.”
He compared it to the highest honors in other fields:
“The Grammys is… what an Olympic medal is to an athlete… what an Oscar or Emmy is to an actor. That’s the highest recognized award out there. Why wouldn’t any artist want a Grammy?”
Still, he emphasized the focus remains pure.
“We’re just striving to make the best music possible.”
Freddie McGregor & Friends
Chino also shared encouraging news about his father, Freddie McGregor, wo suffered a stroke back in November 2022.
“If anybody who knows my father knows… he’s a fighter. The man is always pushing himself to be the best version of himself.”
It has not made Freddie quit music and at 69 he is the lead performer along his boys. They’re gearing up for a major event to celebrate his 70th birthday:
“We’re bringing Freddie McGregor and Friends to Jamaica this summer for his birthday… June 27th.”
The State of Reggae
Asked about reggae today, Chino was optimistic.
“A lot of good artists out there, a lot of good music being made… The sound and the approach has evolved… but I see it growing and escalating to a better place.”
He praised recent work that prioritizes artistry over virality coming from acts like Chronixx whose Exile got mixed reviews and debuted at No. 5 on the US Billboard Reggae Chart.
“It’s one of those projects you have to sit with—it grows. It’s more of an experience,” he says.
That experiential approach is exactly what fans can expect from his own reggae album.
“It brings it back to the art and the authentic approach where you’re getting a full experience. And that’s what you’ll be getting with my upcoming reggae project also. It’s an experience.”
Lyrics Over Gimmicks
As the conversation closed, Chino summed up his artistic philosophy in four words:
“Lyrics over gimmicks. I’m a strong, strong advocate for lyricism.” With the upcoming collaboration with Stephen, he promises depth.
“If you love wordplay and metaphors and concepts… this one will actually blow your mind,” he says.
He hopes to bring more to the music as he takes on one more run.
“Let it be said that you are a part of the solution and not a part of the problem.”
English (US) ·