KENNY SMYTH

“For me singing is just like breathing”

That statement explains just how much passion rising artist Kenny Smyth puts into his music on a daily basis. Born and raised in the breadbasket parish of St. Elizabeth, Kenny grew up in a musical family, his brother Randy sings and his oldest brother Elvis plays the guitar. Their father also plays the guitar. Their mother was so in love with music that she named her three sons after her favourite country music recording artistes, Randy after Randy Travis, Elvis after Elvis Presley and Kenny after one of the biggest names in country music, Kenny Rogers.

Kenny used to sit in awe and watch as his father playing the guitar at their home in Nain. He begged him to teach him to play instrument and in no time, Kenny was strumming out his own melodies. Not feeling complete with only being able to play just one instrument, Kenny decided to learn how to play four more, taking his musical skills to a higher level. Kenny soon discovered that he had a hidden skill – songwriting, and he put pen to paper as often as he could, penning lyrics to love songs and social commentary.In May 2013, kenny auditioned for the number one talent show in Jamaica, Digicel Rising Stars and was placed in the top fourteen from his audition location, however he was not selected to join the other 11 finalists who made it to the studio.

Kenny did not let that deter him and instead he focused on the band he formed with his friends in St. Elizabeth, working on favourites and of course performing his own songs. A few monthes later, lady luck shone a bright light on Kenny Smyth, as Rising Stars judge Craig Thompson aka Craigy T from T.O.K called him back into the competition as his wild card. Week after week, Kenny thrilled Jamaica with his soulful and raspy voice and was rewarded with the fourth place position. Since then, he has been working with Craigy T who has taken him on the role as his manager.

Kenny has performed at several events including the high school competition Digicel Showdown. He put his incredible songwriting skills to work and has released his first single “I Love You” produced by Craigy T for GAFJAM Records.

“This song is from my heart and it’s just the beginning” said Kenny.

It became true in 2017 when his first EP named “Serious Business” was released and one year later the singles “Jah Mi Gi Di Glory” produced by Luv Number 1 Production from UK and “Only You” by K.O Beats from Belize. Recently Kenny is working with the german based “Dancehall Station Team” who released his latest Song “Ghetto Soldiers” on their Better Place Riddim and are also his agency for the european market.

In 2019 Kenny Smyth is finally heading to Europe to support Darrio on his Summer Tour.