by Don-Reece Edwards

When they started in 2000, the group consisted of five (5) members but has now only O'Neil Edwards, Kevin Blair and Craig Jackson make up Voise Mail.

They all grew up in the corporate area. O'Neil and Kevin both grew up in Duhaney Park and attended Kingston College and Calabar High School respectively, while Craig grew up in West Minister Road (Half Way Tree) and attended Jamaica College.

Growing up they had no thought they would be entertainers. In 2000 they came together and started singing. They did not take music seriously. " The only singing mi do was a inna mi bathroom" one member stated. Five years ago they saw that they could make a career from their talent, and were inspired by friends Oscar and Craig to form the group. By then they started to take it seriously and began attending voice training every Tuesdays.

They got a boost from Danny Champaign. To whom they give praises, for his work. It was Danny Champaign who has produced there hit single "Weddy Time" featuring Delly Ranks and the late Bogle. Later he produced their other single "Ready Time". He suggested that they collaborate with Delly and Bogle.

They have worked with numerous other producers including: Tony Kelly, Christopher Burch, Don Carleon, Scatta, Lenky, Snow Cone, Robert Livingston, Nigel Staff and Back Yard Family. Each has contributed positively to elevate their career.

Voise Mail describes their musical style as "Sing-J". A style, which has great impacts on the Jamaican landscape. In 2004 they received overwhelming acceptance for the song "Weddy Time" which has received three awards. "Best group of the Year", "Best Collaboration", "Biggest Dance Song".

They are also songwriters. They are inspired by "God" who has motivated them in writing all of their lyrics especially their hit song "Weddy Time". Voice Mail has great plans this year for their fans. Hopefully by March 2005 they can give a release date for their first album. They are also planning a couple overseas tours from April through to September, and are working on 'crazy single' including: "Dance", produced by Don Corleon on Jonkuno rhythm, "Get Crazy", with Erik and Boyd, on the El Torro rhythm, "Feeling Up", with Christopher Burch, on the My Swing rhythm, "Know your Name" and "Why", with Robert Livingston, on the Big Street rhythm and on the My Baby rhythm, and "Playing Games", with Christopher Burch, on the Cry Baby rhythm. They have collaborated with a few artists but in the future they would love to collaborate with Vybz Kartel. Currently they are having fun with their career. They consider the entertainment industry as "pure fun an' niceness". "Mi love everyday of it. Cause it a bring big tings fi Jamaican people, nuttin nu fi change, everyting plug in", said Craig.
They had no difficulties reaching where they are today. They found it easier rise as a group rather than as individuals. "Fifteen million heads are better than one".

Their most memorable moment was "seeing their number one song for the first time on television and hearing it on radio. It was a tremendous moment for us". So far they have not encountered any embarrassing moment.

Their involvement in Bogle's funeral was a tribute to the dancer who they recognized as an icon "because he established himself as the best dancer and the best chorographer".

In the next five years they see themselves still doing good music and representing Jamaica to the fullest worldwide.

Which reggae artist you admire and why?

Craig: Bob Marley - his writing capability. He writes what happens around him, and his role and contribution to reggae music.
Beenie Man- is a true entertainer; whenever he is performing you can guarantee that you get your money's worth.
Luky D - is a very good singer and did not got the ratings he deserved.
Kevin: Beenie Man - for his performance.
Bounty Killer- for stage appearance.
Bob Marley - listening to his songs, seems like they were recorded yesterday.

O'Neil: Bounty Killer - his style and presences. His style in terms of stage appearance, and they him walk on and off stage. If u inna a club an' Bounty step in people tend fi look. A just him presence.