MAN ON FIRE
Da’Ville, 31, entertainer
Talented, fashionable and oh-so-chocolate, reggae-R&B singer Da’Ville is holding steady on his musical journey, releasing radio-ready singles and a chart-riding album – even collaborating with international stunners like Sean Paul.
Not many will remember that the artiste, born Orville Thomas, began his career as frontman of the now defunct musical trio, ARP. Not surprising, since he has completely morphed into a bonafide and successful solo star, now gearing up to release a new interpretation of the holiday classic Every Year, Every Christmas, as a duet with reggae queen, Marcia Griffiths.
Quick-witted and incredibly charming, Da’Ville phoned up all woman recently to chat about his favourite things, why he’s not “crazy in love” with Miss Beyoncé and what he really wants for Christmas.
Vital Stats: 6’3, 200 lbs, “married”
Birthday: January 24 (Aquarius)
Shoe Size: 11
Neighbourhood: Red Hills, St Andrew
On life as hard-working musical artiste: It can be very stressful and time-consuming. It is the love and passion that I have for the music that keeps me going. I’ve been enjoying the ride though. It has its benefits because you get to travel and meet people.
Dream job outside the music biz: Medical doctor.
Action flicks or suspense thrillers: I like both because the suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat and I love that. With the action movies, you get to imagine yourself as the hero (Laughs).
Favourite magazines: Vibe and Buzz.
The book you can’t put down: The Secret by Rhonda Byrne.
In high school you were the: Reserved one. I was very withdrawn so I was mostly by myself.
How many girlfriends have you had: Can’t count (Laughs). But in terms of serious girlfriends, it is more than 10.
Beyoncé or Rihanna: Definitely Rihanna. Beyoncé is not my kind of girl. Rihanna is more my flavour.
Other celebrity crushes: Halle Berry and Tessanne Chin.
Favourite home-cooked meal: Rice and peas with brown stew fresh-water fish, vegetables and fried plantains.
Favourite brand of cologne: Anything from Chanel, Polo and Kenneth Cole.
On weekends you can be found: Performing at shows or just chilling at home.
If you were Prime Minister for a day, what’s the first issue you would look at: Crime and the line between the haves and the have-nots.
Fondest Christmas memory: Having dinner with family members I hadn’t seen in a while.
What do you want for Christmas: I hope to purchase my first house (Laughs).
In ten years you hope to: Establish a comfort zone between my career and my personal life because it is not really balanced right now (Laughs). I also look forward to greater financial stability and collecting Grammys and other awards.
