 “The first time I held a mic, I froze!” So says Bajan reggae artiste Sean “Brimstone” Blackman. No stranger to singing, Brimstone started his singing career while at primary school. There, he was a member of the school choir and usually had the solo parts thrust upon him whenever there was a special event.
Brimstone allowed his talent to go dormant during his secondary school days at Queen’s College. He found himself more interested in picking musical instruments to pieces more so than singing.
After a period of self-reflection on leaving secondary school, Brimstone started to pen lyrics with a message especially for the youth and the down trodden in the society. The Rastafarian way of life paved his entry into reggae music. Drawing inspiration from performers such as Garnet Silk, Everton Blender and Junior Reid, Brimstone began to mold his music and performance style. In fact, Brimstone states that his first full length reggae song came to him on the day of Garnet Silk’s death.
His first gig was singing on street corners as a member of a quartet who loved singing reggae tunes. Overtime, Brimstone has evolved into a solo act. Taking his inspiration from the Most High, he draws on his life experiences to drive his creative process and this adds an earthy appeal to his compositions. His music lends voice to the freedom fighter in him. He is not afraid to tackle the troublesome issues confronting society.
But Brimstone has a lighter side, evidenced by his foray into the lovers’ rock genre. As he puts it, he’s still ‘sweet’ on the girls and likes to make music that makes them feel good.
Brimstone is a family man. His two children, aged nine and two, are his motivation. His life partner is always by his side, playing an integral role in his performances. He admits that his fan base keeps him going. The fans give him encouragement when his spirit starts to flag. In addition, his role as a library assistant in the Law Library at the U.W.I. Cave Hill Campus keeps him grounded.
As he looks to the future, Brimstone envisions success. With hard work, patience and faith as the catalysts, he knows that nothing can stop him from accomplishing the mission that he was sent here to do. Music is his message; love is his purpose.
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