Troy Brown, program director for the station, said he has seen all three of Riticial’s performances on St. Croix. He said he put on a high-energy show and the crowd was familiar and appreciative of his music.
“He has a unique voice that stands out among other artists,” Brown said. “He has a positive message and positive lyrics that really connect with people.”
Not many reggae artists have come out of the BVI, Brown said, but he said he is always listening to new music and artists from the Virgin Islands -- British or US -- always get first consideration for air play.
With not even a fourth of the population of the US side, the BVI does not have many producers or the resources of their neighbors, so the artists are working to make it happen themselves. Menalek and Ritical have been working together for years, and together read, studied and learned about African history, choosing a path of positive music.
Music has always been a part of Ritical’s life, but only when he began to live a spiritual life and study the livity of Rastafari seven or eight years ago did he begin to take it seriously. He’s released seven singles locally and is preparing for the next level with a video, full-length album and shows in the region and in New York.
Ritical believes there’s a lot of talented reggae musicians in the BVI that limit themselves because they are not as serious motivation and commitment it takes to make it in the music business. He said he is working hard and has faith that the Almighty will give him the opportunity to spread his message.
Recognizing his positive family-first message is outside of the mainstream music business, Ritical said he will keep making music designed to give good people comfort in their struggles. Sometimes negative forces distract good people, but love is stronger people will always return to home, he said.
“The foundation of a man’s focus and concentration is based on the tranquility of his home. And with all great men the devil came to get him through the woman” Ritical said. “There is nothing a man keeps closer to his heart than his family, and rough seas can ruin his concentration so love and respect is the most important thing in the home.”
Ritical is the most prominent artist on the 12-song compilation CD, but there are several other talents to look out for, Menalek said. All recorded with the highest standards, artists like Platinum, April and Shatta will soon be heard throughout the region, he said.
“We’re ready to show St. Thomas, St. Croix and the world what the Virgin Islands has to offer,” Menalek said. “We got a lot of talent just like him [Ritical] working on a lot of different levels. You have got to get the CD. It’s going to be hot.”
