Dancehall Expose

Me being a manager entails me to lookout for Kari Jess well being and image and promote the artiste” – Andre Folkes.

The first of our interviews with music professionals takes us to Kingston, JA. As with most Artist managers Andre fell into the industry from a totally unconnected occupation, in his case Andre came from an international shipping background to become an artist manager.

Back in 1997 when Andre was growing up in the community of Pembroke Hall, Kingston 20 areas he formed a crew by the name of MEGA LINKS. Andre tells me that they decided to call the entity that name playing on the fact that the members were all close friends. Music wise the collective had 3 DJ’s and 1 singer; the singer was the main song writer which is Kari Jess. Kari is the only member still based in JA and still doing music as the 3 DJ’s migrated couple years ago.

PROFILE

Name: Andre Folkes

Date of Birth: June 19, 1982

Nationality: Jamaican

Residence: Kingston, Jamaica

Occupation: Data Entry Clerk Supervisor

Current Company: Government Ministry

Interests: MUSIC and INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING

What I Do: Artist Manager

Main Genre: Dancehall Artiste

Entity: MEGA LINKS INC.

Interview with Andre "Mega Links" Folkes.

Hey Kari, Hows it going? Whats the weather like in Kingston at the moment?

Well the climate now is a bit cool. Getting alot of breeze, I guess its the Christmas breeze.

What is you background in the music industry?

I'm an Artist Manager.

What are the worst and best things about being a manager of an artist?

The worst part is ensuring piracy is minimized especially in Jamaica where the policies that are established is not well managed. The best part is that i'm assisting this current upcoming artist to develop his God given talent and thereby expose him to Jamaica and the rest of the World.

Mega Links Sounds like a Big piece of bling, but what is the main ethos behind Mega Links?

To bring good music vibes to the people as well as educate the people through music and become an Household name.

What advice would you give to artists looking for a manager?

Honest and Genuine, as well as ensuring the artiste is well developed and exposed.

What advice would you give to managers trying to break artists?

Ensure that proper marketing through exposure is done and also maintained.

So you manage Kari Jess, give us a little run down on your artist.

Kari Jess is a fun-loving, honest, hardworking, a people person and a adventurous person, he always ensures that patrons are entertained, trust me he was born with that talent.

Are there any international artists that you might want to work with or any artists from the Dancehall scene? Jay-z, Alicia keys, Jahcure just to name a few.

For more info call 1876-434-5750 or 1876-524-1004 or Email suge09@hotmail.com or BB PIN: 215FEA34. Online hes at twitter.com/megalinkin