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This Week We Feature Young Professional Jason A. Frett

March 30th, 2012 | Tags: Ritical Jason Frett
Ritical will be collaborating with regional artistes soon.
The 30 year-old reggae singer performing in St. Thomas on March 18, 2012.
The 30 year-old reggae singer performing in St. Thomas on March 18, 2012.
By ANEKA EDWARDS

He spreads the message of love and unity through his powerful voice and lyrical skills, and this week’s young professional hinted that “greater things” are on the horizon.

Jason Frett, who we all know as Ritical, has gained the respect of musicians throughout the Virgin Islands and USVI.

The singer and songwriter opened up about his days when he was on the verge of self destruction but admitted that his willpower to be somebody took him down a path of redemption. While not going into details, the talented singer said he saw a lot of “negative things” while he was living between the Virgin Islands and St. Thomas. He also lamented on a stage in his life where he lost some of his friends to violence.

“I have seen and done a lot of stuff in my youthful days…a lot of things that I am not proud of, but at age 18 I just transformed and turned to the Rastafarian faith,” Ritical stated.

It was then he knew he wanted to explore his musical talent 100 percent. The first thing he changed was his name.

“In the Rastafarian faith Ritical means spiritual,” the Virgin Islander explained. “When I look at life its worth more spiritually than anything materialistically, and at the end of the day we are not perfect, for me it’s all about love over hate, spiritual over vanity. Ritical represents me!”

The singer/songwriter was born into a musical family especially on his father’s side, therefore it's no surprise he followed in his father’s footsteps. “Music is all I do, from a toddler to right now,” Ritical said with a smile.

According to him, his father was a member of the Bad Ones, which Ritical fondly recalled was one of the number one bands in the Virgin Islands at one time.

In addition to that, the singer played the grand piano at the Francis Lettsome Primary School, and ran the school choir. “I made sure everything ran smoothly and played that piano. I think I was 11 at the time.”

Turning to his passion of Reggae, Ritical said it was a “no brainer”. He believes Reggae is the foundation that relates to life. To him, it’s what keeps him motivated when he places his thoughts on paper.

His first song to be released on radio was “Hail Up Jah” which was done in St. Croix, while "Black Woman” was his first official single.

“It all started for me professionally in 2001 when Japhix decided to launch Real Reggae Volume 1. At that time aspiring artistes used to go to an open mic sessions by the Waterfront.” Since then he has attained success with "Carnival Is About Love", “Love Is The Greatest” and “Wish You The Best.”

Currently, Ritical is working on his first album which is long overdue for the fans, but in the meantime, his first video “Wish You The Best” will be launched in May and the album in June 2012.

Future wise, his manager Adlah 'Foncie' Donastorg, who resides in St. Thomas, is making sure Ritical remains in the spotlight. “He really works hard and right now he is setting up some shows for me. Jamaica is definitely in the plan. We are in talks about doing some stuff with Jah Cure and Pressure.”

From the intellectual way he speaks, no one could ever believe that Ritical dropped out of the then BVI High school in Second Form. Asked what were the circumstances surrounding that scenario, the singer replied, “I guess I was exposed to the outer world at an early age and that intrigued me and I did not have the deep care for education. However, if I could turn back the clock I would have stayed in school.”

Instead, Ritical picked up odd jobs and hanging out for a few years before launching his musical career.

So his advice to young men, who think about dropping out of school, is to think twice before making that step. “Knowledge is power and we are living in a world where most things depend on education. The work force is very tough. Not everyone have a talent to progress in life without education. Stay in school, find your strength and capitalise on it.”

16 Responses to “This Week We Feature Young Professional Jason A. Frett ”

  • ausar (30/03/2012, 07:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We LUUUUVVVV your songs,, Ritical
  • polo (30/03/2012, 07:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    His performance in rock city the day of the triple crown was massive I was proud!
  • CrucianDIVA (30/03/2012, 07:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Excellent! Will definitely buy the album, and would like it autographed please. Blessings!
  • DJ GUMPTION (30/03/2012, 08:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    yesi king, do your thing, they cant stop the powers no matter what they try, your done a bless youth, just keep the faith and forever stay you, all your songs are hot and full of truth, as a dj & friend, i will forever be playing your music, from i have been from your 1st tune *black woman* over 10 years ago! real people do real things, would be good to get drops from you as a *vi dj & as someone you know, bless up yourself * dj gumption @lionsdenbvi
  • Tell the truth (30/03/2012, 08:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I see this young man around but not until I heard him in St. Thomas did I know he had so much talent. Congratulations Ritical. You are the man…certainly on the way to musical greatest.
  • Love is the Greatest (30/03/2012, 09:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ritical just about togetherness,,His message just brought the couple thousands together at the Horse Race in St Thomas,He chose to stand in the rain &performed cause his message was vital,this Man is Just all about Love,,,from you know him you cant help but to love him,unless you're a Point Blank hater!!! His music teaches,inspires,motivates,comforts,Just positive meinnn. I always say,time longer than twine,&nothing happens before its time,Ritical must touch the world cause whoooooo JAH Bless Nooooo 1curse... We're Anxiously waiting for this album from the 1&only "I'Ritical" the hitmaker...Keep them Musical hits coming mah Brother we're loving it. Love is the Greatest!!!
    • Totally Agreed! (30/03/2012, 13:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Your performance was superb! You are on you way to the top. remember to keep God First!
  • Randy Georges (30/03/2012, 10:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congrats Ritical! Your music is inspiring! Keep putting the V.I. on the map.
  • Real Talk (30/03/2012, 10:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good stuff Ritical!!
  • Shining Star (30/03/2012, 12:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We all are destined to be and do something great in life. Your gift of writing songs with such powerful meaning is both a talent and a blessing. Continue to stay humble, determined, and focused on reaching your goal. Nothing comes before its time and your time is now....the beginning has arrived. Much love and success!!!!
  • Like (30/03/2012, 12:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    AWESOME!!
  • george w. tush (30/03/2012, 15:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    vino both you and Ritical are simply THE BEST BETTER THAN ALL THE REST...AND I MEAN THAT
  • ccc (30/03/2012, 17:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Jeson aint a bad looking guy either.
  • Proud (31/03/2012, 10:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ritical, you are one of the local performers who has made me proud to be from the Virgin Islands. Keep spreading your positive message around and I expect even bigger and better things from you in the future.
  • let the music play (01/04/2012, 01:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Vino you are on point another excellent pick for your young professionals. We love ritical's Music he is good.
  • Never (04/04/2012, 10:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I never commented on any of the Young Professional articles before. However, I could not have resisted this one. I have seen Jason aka "Pooky" now "Ritical" transformed into such a positive young man. After reading this article and feeling the positive vibes emanating from it, I just have to say well done and great blessings and positive movements for this young man.


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