Specialist returns to school
DOWNSOUND recording artiste Specialist — whose real name is Orane Wilson — has used several Jamaican high school campuses as backdrop for his latest video Gallis Anthem.
Specialist gained local popularity when was first runner-up in the male category of dancehall talent show 2011 Magnum Kings and Queen in summer. One of his tracks done in the competition, Street Hustle, is currently holds second position on both the Jamaica Music and Stampede Street charts while the music video is in the top 10 of the Hype TV charts.
Gallis Anthem’s video was shot at St Catherine based Eltham High; Bridgeport High; Jonathan Grant High; Waterford High; Spanish Town Comprehensive; and, Jose Marti High School. The Corporate Area-based high schools include Jamaica College and Calabar High.
“I call it Gallis Anthem because when I was in high school, me and my friends thought we were cool and tried to have as many girlfriends as possible,” recalled the deejay who is a past student of Eltham High.
“I have great memories of high school — flirting with girls, playing sports, hanging out with my friends. I just enjoyed being young. I want to encourage my teen fans to make the most of high school. It’s a lot of hard work, but it is also one of the best times you’ll have as a youth. Stay in school and study hard, trust me, it’s well worth it,” he said.
Downsound CEO Josef Bogdanovich the video is fun and reflects what most teens do and feel at school.
“Specialist wanted to give back to his alma mater. He’s still a kid himself, and the teachers do love him — seems he was a good student. The Gallis Anthem video is encouraging. It’s not all about crime and violence. There are many alternatives,” he added.