2 days ago
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Singer, songwriter, and producer Jethro Sheeran is blasting as “90 per cent English tabloid junk” a November 22 article in the UK’s Daily Mail with the headline “Ed Sheeran’s cousin lifts lid on the REAL reason behind their very bitter feud as he blasts millionaire star’s ‘boring songs’ and fumes ‘he’s family but I don’t like him!’”
However, the 10 per cent with which there is no issue was the statement that Jethro “plans to spend New Year in Jamaica and doing a project with Jamaican dancehall artiste Tommy Lee Sparta”.
He confirmed to The Sunday Gleaner that his first visit to Jamaica is on his agenda and that he will be doing a number of music-related projects with Jamaican artistes. He has already collaborated with Jamaicans and received his first Billboard number one plaque for the reggae album Tropical House Cruises to Jamaica.
Sheeran took the time to do a quick Q&A with The Sunday Gleaner.
1. Is the Vybz Kartel concert on your itinerary for New Year’s Eve?
Yes, I plan to travel from the UK to Jamaica for the Vybz Kartel concert on the 31st as a guest of Tommy Lee Sparta and Boss Lady.
2. Who are some of the Jamaican artistes and producers who you have worked with, and what projects are currently in the pipeline?
I have worked with Tommy Lee Sparta, Space Age Rasta, Contractor, and Capleton so far. I also have some vocals I’m working on with Skirlde Sparta. I’d love to do a song with Sizzla ... and I’m also in contact with Julian Marley for a song called Miracles. I have a new song coming with Tommy Lee and a very big global superstar who I cannot name right now, but the song will be out in late January or February. Tommy and I will record our vocals together in Jamaica.
3. Is there anything in addition to the music that keeps you linked to the Caribbean?
Well, I lived in Trinidad for nine years on and off. I came home to London, UK, a few months a year but mostly lived in Trinidad and worked with some big artistes there … my ex-wife is from Trinidad and Tobago. My daughter was raised in Trinidad. We now live together in Denmark and the UK.
I wrote an EP in Barbados, and I’ve been to St Lucia but have never visited Jamaica, so this will be the first time! My best friend, Jason Clemmings, in the UK, is half Jamaican and we are staying at his uncle’s house in Montego Bay. But I will travel to Ocho Rios ... and, of course, Kingston for the Stadium concert ... and another time to visit and check out the scenes. I’m looking at more Billboards, music videos, and working with Jamaican artistes. I think I’ll get a one-way ticket ... (laughs out loud) ... and decide to come back when I have really felt the deep culture of Jamaica and collaborate with some great artistes [in] Jamrock!
4. You made headlines recently about a “feud” with your cousin Ed. Can you tell us what that is all about and how you would like it to be resolved, especially considering that he is family?
That has been resolved. I spoke with him and his manager. We are good now. That was a lot of English tabloid junk. Ninety per cent wasn’t true. My lawyers have pointed out each lie, and we are looking for an apology and/or a takedown of the fake, false article. It was taken out of context and snippets from interviews eight years ago. But Ed and myself, there is no beef ... we [are] good now. It’s all squashed, so I’m happy as he’s my flesh and blood and family. I hope he’s well and will see him soon at a family gathering soon I’m sure.
5. What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas is my favourite time of year. I am a Christian, so I’m going to midnight mass and day mass to pray and enjoy the service. I will eat a traditional Christmas dinner in England with turkey, roast potatoes, gravy, pigs in blankets, lots of veg, and traditional Christmas pudding and open presents with my family under the Xmas tree and get fat and watch films and snooze by the open fire. It’s really cold here in England and feels like it’s going to snow, so maybe we will have a white Christmas. Then I’m looking forward to the new year in Jamaica with sun, rum, sand, sea, and warmth! Can’t wait to hit the beach and tan up ... I’m white as a sheep in winter snow ... (laughs out loud).
English (US) ·