Glen Washington looks to break into new markets

Glen Washington is banking on a new arrangement with an Atlanta-based company to break him in new markets. The veteran singer and Donsome Records signed a contract in September that will see them booking shows for him as well as increasing his music’s presence on digital platforms. Washington, best known for songs like Kindness For Weakness and Rise And Shine, is eager to make a name in countries he has yet to perform. “Wi talking ‘bout places like Australia, New Zealand, China. It would be good to go to those countries an’ to collaborate with artistes, possibly outside of reggae,” he told Observer Online. Washington’s biggest markets are cities in the United States with large Jamaican communities. Those include the tri-state area (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut), South Florida, Atlanta and major cities in Texas such as Houston. He also has a strong following in Europe, especially the United Kingdom, The Netherlands and France. Another area Washington wants to expand his base in is Africa. He has performed in Kenya, Ethiopia, The Gambia and Sudan. Adrian Hanson is head of Donsome Records, which has worked in a management capacity with acts such as Marcia Griffiths, Junior Kelly and Kiprich. He spoke of his company’s plans for Washington. “Our approach will be strategic: identify where Glen’s music is already performing well, work with reputable promoters and festivals, build properly routed tours, strengthen his digital marketing and pursue collaborations that introduce him to younger audiences without changing who he is as an artiste,” Hanson said. The Clarendon-born Washington has been musically-active since the early 1970s. He started as a drummer in bands like The Titans, before branching out as a singer. Washington broke through as a vocalist in 1999 with Brother To Brother, an album produced by Clement Dodd for the legendary Studio One label. - Howard Campbell