Reggae artist Zenji Ingham has opened up for some big names in the business such as Mavado, Tony Matterhorn and Gyptian, but this weekend the local talent is gearing up for his first ever solo concert at Chewstick.

Mr Ingham, who goes by stage name Zenji San, will be bringing fans his reggae vibes showcase and has also enlisted help from local instrumentalist Khadijo Gibbs and entertainer Corvin Melody.

‘Zenji San Live in Concert’ will be kicking off on Saturday night at 9pm.

Mr Ingham said: “I decided it was time to have my own concert because I’m turning 40 this year. I have done two song sets for big stage shows and opened up for a variety of different artists but never had my own show or headlined a show, so for that purpose I wanted to do it.”

Mr Ingham first realised he was passionate about music as a teenager when he and some friends would listen to reggae and dance hall tapes in the music room at Saltus Grammar School.

“I liked reggae music because of the message that it’s the people’s music. It’s spiritual music,” he said. “And just the reach it can have because it’s a world wide phenomenon. Every country has adopted reggae in its own right, whether they can speak patois or not.”

He decided to take it a step further and studied music theory at Florida Atlantic University and joined a five part harmony group called Word Of Culture. Performing with the group opened up some doors for Mr Ingham, who helped to sing the US National Anthem at a comedy show hosted by comedians Pauly Shore and David Alan Grier.

Over the years he has opened up for internationally renowned artists like Alliane, Buju Banton and Mr Vegas, as well as Tokyo/Jamaica based sound Baddy 45.

Although he admitted it has been rewarding to share his music in front of packed out venues, he said it was also hard being an artist in Bermuda because there’s not much promotion for local artists.

“Times have changed because back in the 70s and 80s tourists would flock to our shores to see our local talent. It died out, but with the likes of groups like Chewstick and organisations that promote local artists it’s happening more and Chewstick ha created a platform for that to develop and artists are performing all over.”

The great thing about being an artist today is that up and coming performers can us social networking sites and the internet as tools to get their music heard across the globe.

Mr Ingham will be performing ten songs at his debut concert, including a touching tune called ‘Sign and Seal’, dedicated to his two year old son. “The lyrics for that are self explanatory, but it’s about how deep the bond I have for my son is,” he said.

Mr Gibbs will be accompanying him on the xylophone for the number.

The reggae artist will also be performing his hit song ‘Natural Ting’, which won awards for being the Best Reggae Song, Best Dub Song, Best Hemp Song and Best Legalisation Song at the 2009 Global Marijuana Music Awards, held in Australia.

Other songs include ‘Die By Di Gun’ about the wave of gun violence on the Island; and a dance hall tune called ‘No Bad Mind’.

He said he was “excited” about performing for fans and sharing his music with new audiences as well.

“I have been very focused and once I finish this I can relax knowing that I went out with a bang,” he said.

“It’s a lot of work putting on something like this. People don’t realise what goes into making music, because just to record a song it’s expensive and not everyone has the means to do that.

“And if you are trying to live a straight life, do the right thing, pay your bills and be responsible, music is something you can’t always pursue to the level you would like to especially in a small place like Bermuda.”

He encouraged people to come out to the concert at Chewstick to “support local talent and see history being made”.

Following the performance everyone is invited to dance into the night with an after party with Prophecy Sound International, DJ SnuffyLavaras. The after party will also serve as an album release party for Corvin Melody.

Doors will open at 8pm, with the performance set to start at 9pm; entry is $10, which is payable at the door. For more information call 292-2439 (CHEW) or e-mail info@chewstick.org.