Simply reading the tracklist of his latest album is enough to understand: Wayne Wonder has lost none of his taste for love songs. Counterbalancing them with dancehall tracks, "Foreva", recently released on VP, follows a furrow brilliantly ploughed since his debut in the late 80s. Wayne Wonder brings together fans of both genres under his name. A dual role and an alter ego: Suprise, the nickname he gives himself when he deejays. We meet him at the Notting Hill Carnival in London. The man is a workaholic: on tour, he carries with him all the equipment needed to voice his dubplates.
The last time we met was in 2004. With No holding Back on the soundtrack of the film "50 First Dates" and your track on the Def Jamaica Project, 2003-2004 was a turning point in your career.
Wayne Wonder It's like breaking through all over again. I worked hard for years and to see it materialise is a real blessing. First, the film soundtrack. They contacted me and told me they wanted me on that project. It was a big moment for me, because it was my first song on the soundtrack of a major film like that. I'm very grateful.
And your association with Def Jamaica for Anything Goes?
Wayne Wonder It's a real pleasure to work with CNN and N.O.R.E, the American rapper. They took me into their market.
After that, do you think "Foreva" is a challenge?
Wayne Wonder I don't see music as a challenge. I make music with all the love in my heart, you know. I want to be sincere in what I do.
Don't you set yourself goals?
Wayne Wonder My music is just Love, love on the River Nile.
There are several big hits on this new album: I still believe, Love and affection... Which are the new tracks?
Wayne Wonder For my love, with Trina, is recent and has never been released. Just like Exposed, with Showki-ru. There's also Apart, Between the Sheets... all these songs are unreleased. There are many others, and you'll have to buy the album to hear them!
The album is co-produced by Sing So, your own label. But it's not your first production work.
Wayne Wonder No, we already produced Bounce Along and Friend Like Me on the album "No Holding Back". Few people know it, but we've been doing this production work since 2000. Having Singso behind me on this album lets me express my music the way I hear it.
We already knew Showki-ru a little; what about Mr Chicken and Trina?
Wayne Wonder Mr Chicken is in Jamaica. He's been a good support. A musical influence over the years, and a good friend. With that track, I wanted to counterbalance the lovers rock mood with some dancehall. And Trina... When I wrote that song, it struck me that it needed a female rap voice on it. Trina was perfect.
The album's single is Again, so a lovers vibe. But it could also have been the dancehall Gonna love you...
Wayne Wonder The album is a balance between the two genres, so either could have made a single. I'll leave it to the fans now. I like Again and Gonna Love You, Hotter Than Fire.
Is there no Surpriz on this album?
Wayne Wonder Yes, yes, he's there on Apart, and I Still believe.
You sang a cappella on Riddim Up; do you like that acoustic setting?
Wayne Wonder I always make music with a lot of joy. I don't know pressure. My music is a vibration, an alchemy, an energy. When I sing, I'm simply expressing myself and I feel free.
What are your plans?
Wayne Wonder How can I put it? Actually, I don't wait for a particular moment to work. My studio isn't far away, if I want to record a few things I can do it. I don't set aside special time to record: I just never stop working.
Do you intend to produce other artists via Sing So?
Wayne Wonder Sometimes it's a bit difficult, you know. But I'm definitely building my crew. I prefer working with developing artists rather than established stars. I need to be involved in an artist's development.
We're at Notting Hill Carnival; is it your first time here?
Wayne Wonder I came here two years ago. I'm looking forward to it. People come from all over Europe to experience Jamaican culture. Jamaica has such an influence on the world. We have to thank Bob Marley.
Do you feel concerned by the Jamaican elections?
Wayne Wonder I'm not into politics, I'm into music (i'm not political i'm musical). Over the years you see the same process repeat itself: whoever wins tries to take everything they can. That's how it is, and I'm not interested. With Portia Miller, we can hope for change, she's a mother. And women can change things.