set. Don't even go to the bathroom or make yourself a sandwich.

Wait, watch and listen. Don't even talk! Creative Associates in conjunction with ZBM television are adding something hot and hip to their regular lineup.

It's only just over five minutes long but it will make you get up off the couch and dance.

That's because Bermuda's own Jr. C (Carlton Welch), who was voted the Best Male Rapper at the Bermuda Reggae awards in 1992, will be releasing a new video called "Murdurah.'' The teenaged titan, who expertly mixes reggae and hip-hop into honey-coated harmonies, exudes a quiet almost regal air in conversation.

Now studying Business Management at Allen University, the Whitney Institute graduate is well on his way.

Supported by his mother and girlfriend of four years, Ravonne Roberts, Welch is both pragmatic and realistic about his future in a business renowned for its glitz, glamour and high burnout.

The success hasn't spoiled him though.

Welch fondly remembers how his uncle Stewart Hollis used to take him to soccer games. He would listen to the buoyant, baseline reggae vibes reverberating from tape players all around the grounds.

That same uncle sneaked him into Bailey's Bay Club house when he was only 12-years-old for a session that Dub City was putting on.

"I remember that night like it was yesterday,'' Welch says smiling.

"After I got into the club I told my uncle I wanted to sing.

"He set it up and I went on stage. They recorded that session on tape and from that day on I started getting recognised.'' Recognition led to a recording with local entertainers Troyan, Corbin Melody and Shawn Hollis. The album sold well in Bermuda throughout 1989.

"After that I started doing a lot of charity events to raise money for different causes. Then I started to do shows with Choy Aming, TOC Productions, Big Top Productions and Dub City International.

"I made about $50 a show.'' In 1989 Jr. C and cousins Markita, Stacy and Denice formed a group called Shingae. They were discovered by Dan-Marr Productions, a Bermuda based Management company.

Together they put out a four-song debut album. It was released in Bermuda and sold well in Miami and New York.

That was the beginning of more good fortune.

He got his break in Washington DC on July 19, 1992 when he opened for Yellowman.

"I remember feeling really nervous,'' Welch recalls. "I kept asking myself did all those people come here to see me? "When my name was announced the crowd screamed, I knew then that they came for me.'' Over 5000 fans watched him with waves of applause but Welch is modest about his performance.

"I think my accent was the key thing,'' he said, "it's unique it's not Jamaican or English it's a pure Bermudian sound that no one else can imitate.

"After the concert Yellowman took me to his recording studio and I watched him mix his album, then we did a song together ad lib.

"He told me to feel the music and to take my time.'' Welch recorded a single with Yellowman called "Catch me if you can'' and took it to radio stations and the response was tremendous.

"Catch me if you can,'' is also the name of the 12-song album which will be released later this year.

Almost immediately, plans were underway for a video to complement the song "Murdurah.'' That video, which features six other Bermudians, also stars Sherry Carter, a host on Black Entertainment Television.

"I want to put Bermuda on the map -- I just want to be accepted for what I write. It's how I feel,'' he says.

YOUNG STAR -- Jr. C (Carlton Welch), who was voted the Best Male Rapper at the Bermuda Reggae awards in 1992, will be releasing a new video called "Murdurah.''