I-Octane begins Journey

BY RORY DALEY Observer writer 

Dancehall artiste I-Octane and Alaine perform Lighters Up at the former’s album launch at Triple Century Sports Bar in New Kingston, St Andrew, on Thursday night. (PHOTO: BRYAN CUMMINGS)

TRIPLE Century Sports Bar in New Kingston, St Andrew, Jamaica, was the venue for the launch of I-Octane's sophomore album, My Journey, on Thursday.

"The album represents a new dimension for me," the entertainer told the Jamaica Observer.

The 16-track set, a follow-up to 2012's Crying to the Nation, is distributed by Tad's International. It is currently at number 5 on the US iTunes reggae chart and number three on the corresponding Germany chart.

I-Octane arrived at the venue dressed like a ship's captain and prepared for his voyage. The L.O.V.E singer performed a mixture of new and well-known tracks for the packed venue. Entertainer Alaine also did a track with him.

"He's a very wholesome artiste and it's been a mutually beneficial partnership," said Tahnida Nunes, Digicel sponsorship manager.

The launch saw Octane, a Digicel Brand Ambassador, cut a celebratory cake with various members of Digicel Jamaica's team.

The telecoms provider also sent out a download link for his new single Stepping In The Name of Love to 400,000 of its subscribers.

Penthouse Records' Donovan Germain, who first voiced the artiste, recounted how he advised him to change his name from Richie Rich to I-Octane.

Raquel Nevins, Guinness brand manager, had high praises for the artiste.

"He is the only artiste to do Arthur Guinness Day three times, which is a record," she said.

Source: Jamaica Observer