IN November 2009, TEENage writer Kimberley Sherlock had our last Flexx with Voice Mail. During that Flexx she caught some scoop about the trio, of which we will simply recap this week.
Captivated with a comedic and fun-loving energy and a passion for music, Kevin ‘Gangalee’ Blair, Jerome ‘Craig’ Jackson and the late Oneil ‘Guneil’ Edwards made up the group Voice Mail until Wednesday, May 26, 2010.
Starting in 1999, the group (that originally had five members) came together through a local audition. In 2003, however, group members Liam and Robert migrated to the US, thus reducing the size of the group to three members.
But long before this group was formed, Craig, dreamt of becoming a pilot; Kevin wanted to juggle the careers of modelling and playing cricket for Jamaica and the West Indies teams; while Oneil simply desired to enter the entrepreneurial field.
All those dreams would change, though, because of the passion they had for music. And rightly so, Voice Mail was the epitome of a dancehall group.
Their catchy songs, fused with a raw melody and harmony, caught the ears of many Jamaicans; to the point that the words ‘hey’ and ‘let’s go’ became household terms.
Well known, both locally and internationally for their hits and clean-cut, yet fresh fashion sense, the group explained that their music was as versatile as their fashion. Since establishing themselves in the industry, they have released hits, such as, Wacky Dip, Gangalee, Dancing Fever, Let’s Dance, Dance The Night Away featuring Busy Signal, Anytime featuring Chino and Skip To My Lou featuring Assasin/Agent Sasco.
Since that Flexx interview, Voice Mail was set to release a new album entitled Next Level in Japan. They have also produced 14 singles and two music videos and have begun working with producers, video companies and marketers in Germany.
Expanding from their USA and Japan markets, their latest 14-track album includes the single One Life To Live, which has recently been dedicated to Oneil and of which his immediate family will benefit.
On Monday May 10, 2010 Oneil was shot multiple times in his head, chest, and abdomen during a robbery as he entered his home. He laid unconscious for 16 days in the Kingston Public Hospital until Wednesday, May 26, 2010 when he succumbbed to his injuries, sometime after 2:00 pm. Oneil died just three weeks after celebrating his 35th birthday. He leaves behind a six-weekold daughter.
On Facebook®, a ‘Pray for Oneil from Voice Mail’ page was created shortly after the shooting, as most people in the music industry and the wider Jamaica hoped for a recovery.
Just moments before the news of Oneil’s passing broke, a video for the remix of Can’t Even Walk produced by Mr Vegas and Mikey Bennett, dedicated to Oneil, was being shot. Entertainers present at the video shoot consisted of Craig, Alaine, Natal and Mr Vegas, who abandoned the shoot after receiving the news.
Amidst this tragedy, we must take note of the individual group member’s advice during that Flexx. Kevin: “Go to school, because education is the most important thing in life.” Craig: “Whatever you are doing, do it to because you love it not cause you like it. Never say you can’t.” Oneil: “Master your craft, research the area and make sure you know everything ’bout it.”
TEENage advises that as TEENs on the brink of starting our own careers, we remember these words from Oneil; “master your craft”, just as he did for dancehall music while he was alive.
TEENage wishes to extend our condelence to the family members, group members Kevin and Craig, his other relatives, all his associates and the entire music industry. We deeply regret the loss of his life and may his soul rest in peace.
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