By: Kerry-Ann Bercher, Go-Local Jamaica Writer.

He's no stranger to the music scene, having been in it since 'him eye deh a him knee'. He's been making waves… Actually, it's been 20 years. Lets find out more about the one they call 'Tidal'.

Real Name: Kevin Richards.

D.O.B.: September 7, 1973.

Childhood home: Water Street, off Windward Road.

Musical Upbringing: "My father, Dudley Richards, owned a sound called 'A1 Sound', and I used to chant on the mike when he would string up the sound. My mom also helped me to write songs. While attending Alpha Primary, my friends and I, we used to beat the benches and make up songs for the girls and t'ing, but when I started high school, which was Clan Carty High, I began to take it more seriously. I went to dances and stage shows to get more exposure. I even started a group called the 'Tidal Wave Crew' in 1989 with four of my good friends.

Influences: Wayne Wonder, Bob Marley, Sanchez, Thriller U, Pinchers.

Signed to: "I'm not signed as yet. However, I am in discussion with a record company called House of Leeds.

Performances: The Hilton Hotel, Jungle Night Club, Couples, Fayors in Mandeville, Weekendz, Antigua Recreation Ground, and Sandals Antigua.

Most Embarrassing Moment: "When I fell through a stage step while coming up to perform at a Labour Day Fun Day in East Kingston.

Most Memorable Moment: "Although I was embarrassed, I still went up. I realized that the crowd was laughing, but at the same time they were cheering me on. So I just went up and did my thing and I was the only artiste there that got so much 'forward'!"

Achievements: He traveled to London, where he represented Jamaica at the Royal Commonwealth of Society Awards, held at the London Ball Room in 2003, for a competition for the best song that depicted the mission of the Commonwealth. He emerged the winner with the song, 'We Shall Climb'.

Other accolades: Won the Vision Award, which made it possible for the Queen to visit Jamaica.

In 1996, won a competition in Antigua, called the James Memorial Award, in which he also received cash prizes and a contract for professional voice training.

Original Songs: 'Ghetto Youths', 'Mother Nature', ' Too Much Violence', 'Wine Fatty', 'Steppin' Up', and 'Hunting'.

Future Projects: Tidal is currently working on his album, and is looking forward to starting his own record company and recording studio, which he will name Destiny Links. He is also working on acquiring the license for establishing his own radio station, which he will call Strike 7.