Romain Virgo – The man providing music for the soul

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“Baby I want to be your soul provider, baby I want to stay that way for the longest time Baby, I want to be your soul provider.”

Lord! When a woman hears a song like this, she is instantly whisked away into a world where she envisions a man pampering her, taking care of her every need, and fulfilling her in ways that she never thought possible. This is the power of music, and more specifically the power of love songs.

From the first hint of romance, to the devastating pangs of heartbreak, love songs have a way of putting emotions into words, and music. It has become a core part of our lives. For thousands of years, humans have put into music the most intense yearnings of their souls, and the love song remains a core part of our lives, an essential at all stages of romance.

Do you know that it has been estimated that more than 100 million love songs have been recorded, some of the best coming straight from the island of Jamaica. I want to introduce to you an artist who takes love songs to an entire new level. Romain Virgo (also known as the Rume Ram Kid) has become a household name in Jamaica with chart topping hits that include:

• Mi Caan Sleep
• Love Doctor
• Wanna Go Home
• Altons Medley
• Who Feels It Knows It
• LIVE MI LIFE
• Murderer
• love doctor
• SOUNDBOY FALLING
• Feel Good/Riddim
• Mi Caan Sleep Dub Plate and

Virgo is now one of the most successful artists coming out of Jamaica, and has made it big internationally. In 2011, the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association named him artist of the Year.

“I will never forget how my love for music began and my humble beginnings.”

Romain remembers growing up in rural Saint Ann. He emulated his cousin Bryan Art, an established singer and musician who specializes in Lover’s Rock and Roots Reggae.

“I was born and raised in St. Ann Jamaica,” Romain began. “I grew up poor, but I didn’t know that I was poor. The community built me. There was such great energy there.

One day, I was singing in church, and a member noticed my talent. The person told me that I could sing. This was enough encouragement for me to continue. In high school (2006), I was the leader in my school choir, and we came in 2^nd. In competitions we did very well, so I entered the Digicel Rising Star. The first time they rejected me, and said I was too young, so I entered it again in 2007, and I was the youngest to ever win the Rising Star competition at the age of 17.”

Just like that, a star was born. He then had the opportunity to work with Donavan Jermaine, the man behind the sounds of the biggest names in reggae at the time (Buju, Wayne Wonder, Barris Hammond). “With him I wrote a song called “Can’t Sleep.” Based on his reaction to the song, I had a feeling that it would be a song of significance. He told me to stay focused and keep working hard. He reminded him that it doesn’t matter how well I am doing I have to keep creating. I knew it had an impact on him, and would have the same on people who heard.”

Romain shares that everyone was very happy for him. Music became how he took care of his family. “My mother and my wife are very supportive of me. They are behind me 100%.

I began working on other music. I put out an album in 2010 self-titled “Romain Virgo.” I had the opportunity to go on tour for the first time. I did a U.S. tour with Cappleton. Now people are getting to know me more. I produced my second album, “The System,” (2012), then my third, “Lovesick,” (2018).”

The album “Lovesick” did so well he received a plaque from Billboard for his album, which made its mark on the Reggae Album Chart when it debuted at No. 1. The album, released by VP Records in March 2018, sold 296 copies in the first week.  Nicholas Browne produced several of the songs on the 16-track set (Lifeline Music).  Standout entries were: “In This Together,” “Sweet Liar,” “Caress Me,” “Face to Face.” and a cover of Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me.”

“Both albums showed the progression of my growth; growth in my writing, my experiences. A lot of people still have my first album as their favourite, and I get that. They just connect with it. They don’t want to let go of it. It was refreshing to see the love people were showing to my new material.”

The creative and music world took a hit when the pandemic struck in 2020. I am always curious how this has affected people, so I asked Romain about his experience.

“For sure, we were affected as artists. We couldn’t go on stage and do what we love. This is how we push our music, big stage, big crowd. That couldn’t happen. The pandemic did allow me to become more creative. I recorded so many songs, and as the months go by I am releasing them slowly.”

His most recent song, “Beautiful to me” took my breath away when I heard it. Again, Romain had created a masterful piece of art that focused on women. “Romain,” I queried, “What was the driving force behind this song?”

“This song was written two years ago. It was not a song that I was going to put out. It was written for my wife. We were supposed to go on the road, and she was spending a little more time putting on her make-up. I went in and started joking with her. Whether she is wearing makeup or not, she is beautiful to me. She loved it right away, and I was encouraged to record it. It took two months to complete the song, but at the end of the day, my wife wanted all women to know that they are beautiful, so we did a music video for the song. We released it, and the love we have received for the song, amazing. It was very uplifting.

Where I am from, a lot of people would say, you wouldn’t come to anything at all. Whatever you want to do, don’t let where you come from determine your future. Believe in what you want to do, work hard, stay committed, one day, you will reach your goals.  You will become successful.”

He is also thankful to all of his supporters and fans for walking with him on the journey to success. “I appreciate everyone who has been here with me on this musical journey. Thank you for the continued love and support over the years… Nothing at all is taken for granted. One Love! The work continues.”