Olaf Blackwood

They changed the game, but their roots tell the real story. Rediscover the biography that reveals the making of our featured Classic Man…

He was homeless and sleeping in a park in New York. The worst thing about it was, he just found out that his mom had just passed. Naturally, he was in a headspace, and he needed a floor to lay down on, and the only space available was on a bathroom floor in a park. He turned to a friend, and after only one day, his friend let him know he was not welcome. It was a lonely, painful experience.

This edition’s Classic Man is known for excelling in multiple genres: Reggae, Pop, EDM, what you would call a true maestro of songwriting, He is a multi-faceted genius who effortlessly juggles multiple projects within a single setting—an exceptional talent that sets him apart in the industry. Often likened to the male version of Taylor Swift for his remarkable ability to craft hit songs across various genres, our Classic Man’s musical ingenuity and creativity knows no bounds.

Throughout his career, he has had the privilege of collaborating with distinguished multi-platinum music producers, further enriching his musical repertoire and expanding his creative horizons. These collaborations have not only elevated his music to new heights but have also provided him with invaluable opportunities to gain experience and grow as an artist.

During our interview, he recalled a transformative moment when he crossed paths with Eve, a popular American rapper at the time who recognized the rare and magical quality in his voice. Encouraged by her words of support and validation, he was inspired to press on, fueled by the belief that his music deserved to be heard and appreciated by a wider audience.

When I tell you it was difficult to try and fit in all this man’s achievements in the space allotted for this feature, I am being for real. Once you read this feature, you are going to realize the impact that this man has had on the music industry. I am not going to waste any more time. I am honoured to present to the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper community, our Classic Man Olaf Blackwood.

Grammy nominated Olaf Blackwood, born and raised in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. He dropped out of school at a young age, and his musical journey began at just 14 years old. His first track was recorded  at the iconic Kariang Recording Studio in Ocho Rios, a studio known for nurturing talents like Garnet Silk and Mystic Revealers.

His next big move was participating in the prestigious Tastee Contest at just 16 years old, where he secured 4^th place in a competitive entertainment lineup. At the age of 17, Olaf’s musical journey took an unexpected turn when he attended the Caribbean Music Expo in Ocho Rios. His impromptu performance in an elevator caught the attention of the esteemed British music producer and songwriter, Herbert Crichlow, known for his work with artists like the Backstreet Boys. Right away, Herbert recognized Olaf’s exceptional talent.

At the age of 22, Olaf Blackwood made a bold move and relocated to the United States to further his music career. Focused on honing his craft, he collaborated on projects with renowned artists such as: Shaggy, Bounty Killer, Beenieman, Spice, Aidonia, Maaicka, Junior Reid, Maxi Priest, Sanchez, Dean Fraser, Akon, Mya`and Lindsey Sterling (legendary violinist). What really took him to the next level and brought him widespread recognition and success in the music industry was his partnership with the acclaimed European DJ, Armen van Buuren.

The pinnacle of Olaf’s career came with the release of an album by Jamaican recording artist Spice. What people may not know is that seven songs on the album were penned by Olaf Blackwood. It was a groundbreaking project that showcased his exceptional songwriting skills, and the album garnered critical acclaim making history by receiving a nomination at the 64^th Grammy Awards in 2022.

His latest focus has been on launching a reggae album, and this has been met with resounding success. His first single “Drop Shade” soared to no. 7 on the Billboard charts in Germany and no. 2 in Italy after just four weeks of its debut. His latest single with Shaggy “Selector Pull It,” offers a fresh take on the iconic “Gunman” riddim originally crafted by Henry ‘Junjo’ Lawes. It blends nostalgia with a modern twist for Dancehall fans.

I had the privilege of sitting down with this genius, and I was eager to pick his brain. One of the first things that I wanted to know about was how he draws from deeply personal experiences, particularly moments of grief or loss. At around the age of 17, Olaf was grappling with the loss of his grandmother, and then his grandfather. It was a deeply personal experience that undoubtedly influenced his music and added layers of emotion and authenticity to his songwriting.

“For a while I couldn’t do anything musical,” Olaf shared “I usually write from a deep place, but during that time I stayed away from anything deep, because it would make me very emotional. I started playing soccer and doing things to detract from my work. The loss now feels like it was necessary. I needed to stand on my own two feet. They were everything to me.”

Songwriting often involves revealing deeply personal aspects of oneself. I was curious about how Olaf navigated the vulnerability of sharing such raw emotions with the world, while maintaining the emotional strength to continue creating at such a high level.

“When we hurt together, we heal together. As mentioned earlier, I was a teenager when I lost my grandparents. DMX’s album, “Flesh of my Flesh, Blood of my Blood,” is one of the most morbid album covers ever. The album itself says nothing about self-help, but that album kept me company during my tough times. That and Busta Rhymes “Extinction Level Event; The Final World Front.” Those two albums made me realize, it is not just songs; someone is using that as a part of their healing.”

What I learned truly sets Olaf apart from a lot of artists is his versatility. “I want to release five separate albums in five different genres. I have a song with Mya, I am good with Afrobeats, I can tap into so many different genres. The only pressure I put on myself is to be my best. I don’t think charts, I don’t think tracks. I do the best that I can. The only thing that I truly understand is my journey. The destination is not the journey.”

Olaf’s journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication, talent, and passion for music. Through his collaborations, performances, and creative endeavours, he continues to leave a lasting impact on the music industry. Olaf’s musical mastery and versatility continue to cement his position as a prolific songwriter and artist in the music industry. His final thoughts were very simple,

“I am a Jamaican yute. I don’t want anyone to forget that.”