tag:nvt3l.com,2005:/blogs/nvt3l-news?p=2NVT3L NEWS2021-12-14T05:05:56-05:00NVT3Lfalsetag:nvt3l.com,2005:Post/68403662021-12-14T05:05:56-05:002023-10-16T11:02:37-04:00Weh Dem Up To | Natel still making the hits (Published, May 8, 2020 by Jamaica Star)<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/592085/04d6ab905c7f41b1207131041d20f6461e14d094/original/img-2404.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>Many may remember Natel from the Digicel Rising Stars competition back in 2005. The singer was a runner-up that year and has been working to set himself apart in the music industry ever since. It has been 15 years, and although his name may not be as popular as some of the competition’s more established alumni, Natel has built an enviable career not just as a singer, but as a songwriter and producer. </p>
<p>“I’ve been writing and producing a lot of songs. Too many to mention right now, but some of them are very popular because they are hits. I have my own label, Natel Music Records, so I’ve also been releasing music under that label,” he said. “I’ve also been touring. I just came off a US tour with Tarrus Riley, Dean Fraser, and Shane Brown with the Black Soil Band, which was amazing. It ended on March 1, and we were supposed to go on another tour in July, but yuh done know how the pandemic vibes go right now. So I’m using the time to actually just record and create and vibe while staying safe.” </p>
<p>The singer, who recently collaborated with established entertainer Tanya Stephens on the track Perfect High, says that although chatter surrounding his name may not be loud, he has been putting in the work. </p>
<p>“She (Stephens) is my favourite female artiste, and fi get da DM deh and exchange number and make it happen, dat show me say me must a do supmn right or have some form of talent because Tanya don’t just do stuff. She does things she love and work with people weh ah guh make sense, so that’s a compliment in itself,” he said. “I’ve surpassed all the things mi wish mi coulda achieve inna music before I started music. When I keep putting in the work and keep moving forward, I realise there’s more to this music and more to this industry than just doing it because me love it. To do music full time, yuh affi think of it as a business, and a lot of us starting out don’t really see that.” </p>
<p><strong>THE BUSINESS ASPECT </strong></p>
<p>He continued, “Maybe nowadays the yutes dem weh starting out will see the business aspect of it, but for me, when I just started out, I was doing it because it make me feel good. It was my therapy. Then I hoped to change some people’s lives and make dem happy. But moving forward, yuh realise if yuh really a guh do music and have longevity, there is more to it. So now, me have bigger dreams and a whole heap more things me woulda love fi achieve.” </p>
<p>Natel, who released his Patience mixtape last year, is gearing up to drop the deluxe edition of that project. He says that as an extension to the original, Patience Deluxe will feature a few more songs, including his latest single, Wake Up. </p>
<p>“I’m looking to release Patience Deluxe in the next four weeks. I also have a song with The Carey James called Ringtone and a song with Konshens that I will be doing a dancehall remix to soon. It’s called Make Money, so people can look out for that soon. We have a whole heap more things in the pipeline, too, and from we a link wid Dean Fraser and Tarrus Riley, the possibilities are endless.”</p>NVT3Ltag:nvt3l.com,2005:Post/68403622021-12-14T05:02:33-05:002021-12-14T05:02:33-05:00Natel demonstrates true ‘Patience’ (Published, Feb 22, 2019 by Jamaica Star)<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/592085/b840e8d96be523c9453549444ddcc3008c2aebe3/original/182421.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Fresh off a short tour in Switzerland, past Digicel Rising Stars competitor Nathaniel Hewitt, more popularly known as Natel, is back in studio, putting in long hours. </p>
<p>Natel was featured on Bellevue, a track recorded by Swiss reggae/hip-hop artiste Stereo Luchs, that recently earned Gold certification for selling 10,000 copies in the European country. The success of the single earned the singer a chance to join the international entertainer on four shows across Switzerland. </p>
<p>It is another one of the achievements that he calls, "a step in the right direction." </p>
<p>The singer/songwriter also released the Patience mixtape, a nine-track production that has helped to re-introduce him to the Jamaican audience. </p>
<p>"I have been recording for years, writing music for a lot of artistes, mostly behind the scenes," Natel said. </p>
<p>"Persons will never know whether I am satisfied or dissatisfied with my career because there is always a big smile on my face. I know I am going to be a superstar. It is part of my DNA." </p>
<p>He said that the title track, Patience, is a personal testament to his experiences in the music industry and lessons he learnt from his father, Correll Hewitt, a reggae music veteran. </p>
<p>"The lyrics clearly say. 'It's not the wait that you wait, it's patience'," he said, "For me, it has never been about getting a 'buss' or winning a competition, but creating a legacy by putting in the work." </p>
<p>Part of the legacy he speaks of includes writing music for other entertainers, including Mr Vegas, Tarrus Riley and Samantha J. He has also created Natel Music Records label despite offers for him to sign with established labels. </p>
<p>"I don't believe in signing a contract that has put many artistes in a 360 deal. I feel I can build more from the ground up by investing in myself rather than earn a quick money," he said. </p>
<p>The singer said he has never had a nine-to-five job. When he left his home in Manchester to live in Kingston, the intention "was to make something of my talent." </p>
<p>Meanwhile, Natel is working to complete a second compilation of songs under the guidance of seasoned producers/musicians like Dean Fraser. </p>
<p>"With everything, I am trying to be as strategic as possible, so the focus at the end of the day will be on me and my music," he said, while noting that Ghana will get a chance to meet and hear him live at the JAGHA (Jamaica-Ghana) Festival next month. The show also features reggae veteran Freddie McGregor.</p>1:06NVT3Ltag:nvt3l.com,2005:Post/68403452021-12-14T04:59:01-05:002021-12-14T04:59:01-05:00Natel honours women with 'Flawsome' (Published, Jan 27, 2017 by Jamaica Star)<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/592085/f7d8ce18ab998a5c07bc71c3ce22cc17fe0e3256/original/natel-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Jamaica's multifaceted singer, songwriter and producer Natel has been bubbling on the international reggae scene since his series of releases with international DJ and producer Chuckie. </p>
<p>The exposure from these singles has opened various doors in the cross-genre markets, while creating a strong fan base for the artiste across Europe. </p>
<p>Natel maintained his buzz across the European market throughout the rest of 2016. The release of Jay Psar's <strong>Addict</strong>, featuring him and Liam Summers, reached Belgium dance charts and stayed in the top 10 throughout the summer. Dedicated to his craft, the Jamaican vocalist soared even higher, closing off the last quarter of the year with a collaboration alongside Billboard artiste, Kat Deluna for the Japan release of <strong>Forever</strong>. The single made its debut at number one on Japan's iTunes charts. </p>
<p>This week, Natel took his new record <strong>Flawsome</strong> to social media for its release. The Jamaican-flavoured dance track has women around the world flaunting their beauty and posting selfies with the hashtag #Flawsome. </p>
<p>"This song is for the ladies dem, so I am excited to see that they are already enjoying it. <strong>Flawsome</strong> is all about accepting your flaws because that's what makes you, you," Natel said. </p>
<p>Since the new year, Natel continues to work on his upcoming EP with a strong focus on his fans. </p>
<p>"This year is all about my 'Tellogang' (a term he uses to refer to his fan base). I want to give my fans a little bit of everything this year. Expect some more dancehall, with a little EDM; of course, some R&B with a touch of pop, completed with that Natel twist," he said.</p>
<p> </p>3:26NVT3Ltag:nvt3l.com,2005:Post/68403422021-12-14T04:54:29-05:002021-12-14T04:54:29-05:00Natel is now a father (Published, Apr 24, 2012 by Jamaica Star)<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/592085/fad7ea628edcf024591f665c48c5da1698299c7d/original/natel-jpeg.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_orig justify_center border_none" alt="Natel and his daughter Sahi." /></p>
<p>Recording artiste Natel is now a father. </p>
<p>The proud father welcomed a baby girl named Sahi Hewitt into the world on April 14. </p>
<p>"It's a great feeling. My father told me before she was born that this is a real blessing. She probably is gonna be a new superstar in the family so I give thanks. I love kids so this is the cherry on top," Natel told THE STAR. </p>
<p>Natel, whose given name is Nathaniel Hewitt, says that his little bundle of joy has motivated him to work harder. According to him, "Everything has changed, my energy has changed. I can't sleep, I just want to work, I've never worked so hard before. The business part of me tun up. I love music, so now I'm stepping it up business wise. Me and my management team are putting things together," he said. </p>
<p>The artiste also recently released a mixtape called 'Miles Away' and says the reception so far has been incredible. </p>
<p>"I've had 15,000 persons downloading the mixtape within one week, people have also been sending me messages on Twitter and Facebook. When mi see that mi just say to myself 'you nuh dat bad after all, do you thing yute'," he said jokingly. </p>
<p>Putting the rumours to rest regarding his feud with artiste Vegas, Natel states that what transpired was a misunderstanding. </p>
<p>"We had a misunderstanding, but everything alright now. Vegas is like my brethren, he is like a big brother and in any family you have quarrels and misunderstandings, but we are real men and we know not to mess up our family. We are over it now. We just did Layers of Soul recently and we also just came back from a show in Guyana," he said. </p>
<p>In the meantime, Natel says he is in studio putting things together so that persons can see a different person. </p>
<p>"I don't want people to see the same Natel from Rising Stars, I'm more mature now. I feel like I'm ready and my manager Mickey Bennett also feels like I'm ready," he said. </p>
<p>Natel says fans can look out for his new single Si Mi Yah on the Love Bug rhythm and also Can't Be which is slated to be released soon. </p>
<p>"I'm going to be shooting videos for those two new singles soon, but in the meantime, the fans can look out for me all over Jamaica. I'm also putting things together for the overseas market," he said.</p>NVT3Ltag:nvt3l.com,2005:Post/68403372021-12-14T04:49:04-05:002021-12-14T04:49:04-05:00Natel gets spiritual on latest track (Published, Thursday, June 09, 2016 by Jamaican Observer)<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/592085/5169f64c151fd3e7a9296dbfed7f0680551a9004/original/ar-306099921-jpg-maxh-332-maxw-504.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_orig justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>Having helped produce songs by Samantha J and Cherine Anderson, singer Natel stayed the course for his latest single, Pray Fi Wi Enemies. </p>
<p>He also wrote the song which has a spiritual feel. </p>
<p>"I grew up going to church every Sunday with my mother and there is a scripture in the Bible that states that we should love our enemies, but most of us find it hard to do. Sometimes we need to have faith and leave certain situations to God," Natel reasoned. </p>
<p>Ten years ago, Natel came to public attention when he finished in the Top 10 of the Digicel Rising Stars competition. The Manchester native grew up around music; his father Ras Corel Hewitt is a guitarist who owns the Culture Lab studio in Mandeville. </p>
<p>Pray Fi Wi Enemies is his first crack at self-production. </p>
<p>"When you do your own production you bring out all the emotions that you need for the song. You bring out how you need the song to sound," said Natel who recently returned from a tour of the United States West Coast and Europe with Mr Vegas. </p>
<p>He also released the Only For You mix tape.</p>3:35NVT3Ltag:nvt3l.com,2005:Post/68403352021-12-14T04:46:12-05:002021-12-14T04:46:12-05:00Mr G, Natel talk relationships (Published, Friday, October 09, 2015)<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/592085/1dd000a9ee0d879cfcc67132d546a212584a9703/original/ar-310099968-jpg-maxh-332-maxw-504.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_orig justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>MR G has teamed with singer Natel on the song When Was the Last Time which is produced by Mr Vegas for the MV Music label. </p>
<p>Featured on the Love Bump 'riddim', it is based on personal relationships. </p>
<p>"We basically were looking at relationships today and the fact that there's not much passion and love in it anymore. We are just asking the question, 'when was the last time you've been in love and enjoyed a good relationship'?" Mr G explained. </p>
<p>He also spoke about Natel's contribution to the track. </p>
<p>"Natel is a very talented singer and he brings a lot to the table musically. It was a good vibe working with him." </p>
<p>Formerly with the Main Street label in the mid-1990s, Mr G is known for hits including Fudgie, Ol Crook, Big Man Little Youth (featuring Red Rat), and the 2010 chart-topper Swaggerific.</p>
<p>His last studio album, Issues, was released in 2006 by EMI/S-Curve Records. He is currently working on an album with former Main Street head Danny Browne.</p>
<p> </p>NVT3Ltag:nvt3l.com,2005:Post/68403222021-12-14T04:42:05-05:002021-12-14T04:42:05-05:00Natel's back from European gig (Published, Friday, August 21, 2015)<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/592085/14cc994fff8197b8cc93d62c25d97e7e348bec25/original/ar-307039935-jpg-maxh-332-maxw-504.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>FOLLOWING what is being described as a successful European summer tour, singer Natel is ready to take on the world. </p>
<p>The artiste, along with Vegas and Latty J, performed at a number of festivals which included Venice's One Love Festival, Spain's Lagatavajunto, Reggae Jam Festival in Germany, Roma Red Hot Festival in Rome, Netherland's Antilliansee Festival, and finishing at the Reggae Sun Ska Festival in France. </p>
<p>"I'd like to thank everyone who came out and showed their support for the entire reggae movement. It's really a beautiful thing," said Natel.</p>
<p>"It's been a privilege being part of Team MVM. It has exposed me tremendously throughout the world. I have to big up Mr Vegas Straight!" </p>
<p>Natel said while he was in Europe, his summer reggae releases Only for You and Paradise have been receiving strong radio rotation, with other singles also growing in popularity. He has also been creating waves in EDM, as he is featured yet again on another edition of DJ Chuckie and Childplay's Traphall EP. </p>
<p>"Only For You has really made its impact. Not only have I received great feedback from my fans, the YouTube video reached over 13,000 views. But radio has kept it on regular rotation since its release, disc jocks reacting to the amount of requests they've received for the single."</p>
<p>He said he has several gigs lined up for the USA in September. </p>
<p>While Natel is taking a break from the studio, he said there is much more to come. He will be releasing an Only For You mixtape and an upcoming music video shortly. </p>
<p>-- Richard Johnson</p>NVT3Ltag:nvt3l.com,2005:Post/68403182021-12-14T04:38:56-05:002021-12-14T04:38:56-05:00Natel eyes breakthrough (Published, Friday, July 03, 2015)<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/592085/14cc994fff8197b8cc93d62c25d97e7e348bec25/original/ar-307039935-jpg-maxh-332-maxw-504.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_orig justify_center border_none" alt="Natel" /></p>
<p>Singer Natel is poised for the mainstream breakthrough, based on the positive response to his song Only For You. </p>
<p>The song is produced and released by Chimney Records on the Country Bus beat. Released in April, it has gradually gathered steam on local radio. </p>
<p>"Only For You is creating a huge buzz right now, the reaction it's getting is incredible. It's getting a lot of rotation from all the top radio jocks and it's also getting a lot of love in the streets," said Natel.</p>
<p>Only For You is one of several songs making the rounds for the Manchester native who placed in the top five of the Digicel Rising Stars competition. Someone To Love and Jump Back a Dem, done with Mr Vegas, are also doing well. </p>
<p>Natel is signed to Vegas' MV Records and is scheduled to tour Europe with the singjay starting late this month.</p>3:30NVT3Ltag:nvt3l.com,2005:Post/68403102021-12-14T04:30:26-05:002021-12-14T04:31:37-05:00Natel makes progress with Mr Vegas, Chimney (Published:Friday | June 12, 2015 | 2:53 PMCurtis Campbell)<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/592085/f7d8ce18ab998a5c07bc71c3ce22cc17fe0e3256/original/natel-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_orig justify_center border_none" alt="Natel" /></p>
<p>Reggae artiste Natel is raising eyebrows on the international scene with the success of his single <strong>Only for You</strong>, produced by Chimney Records on the 'Country Bus' rhythm. </p>
<p>Seeing the potential of the record, producer/recording artiste Mr Vegas, who has worked on several projects with Natel over the last few years, joined producer Jordan McClure to assist with the promotion of <strong>Only for You</strong>. </p>
<p>"<strong>Only for You</strong> is definitely the song to listen out for right now. Huge thanks to Mr Vegas and the whole MV Music family for helping me to get my music out there, media stream, Empowerment Entertainment, ZojakWorldwide, and also my fans. Big up Jordan McClure and the rest of Chimney Records for this huge opportunity," Natel said. </p>
<p>The 'Country Bus' rhythm was released in April 2015 and features established acts like Tarrus Riley, Morgan Heritage, J Boog, Alaine, Assassin, Konshens, Jah Vinci, I-Octane and Dean Fraser. The producers have also recorded a slew of young talents, including with Jemere Morgan, Wyre, Stein and Zagga. </p>
<p>"Internationally, there is a buzz that is only growing day by day ... . Not to toot my own horn, but I was blessed with the voice and the ability to thrill listeners effortlessly. Give thanks to Jah for that. Next month, I will be embarking on a European tour with Mr Vegas, so I am really looking forward to that," Natel told <strong>The Gleaner</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>INTERNATIONAL REACH </strong></p>
<p>Natel is working to extend his grip on the international market by working with producers like DJ Chuckie and Infamous Traphall, who have done productions under Atlantic Records. </p>
<p>Natel is also featured on Jump Back A Dem, co-written and produced by Mr Vegas under his MV Music label, as well as <strong>Pocket Rocket</strong>, with Latty J. </p>
<p>"Fans can definitely look out for the video of <strong>Only for You</strong>, and follow me on Instagram and Twitter @NatelMusic for all exclusive updates. Other than that, look forward to falling in love all over again, dancing and enjoying yourself to my music like you've never before. I'm bringing the heat and hope to find my place in the hearts of music lovers for a lifetime," he said.</p>3:30NVT3Ltag:nvt3l.com,2005:Post/68402982021-12-14T04:24:52-05:002022-05-19T09:10:23-04:00Stepping out - Natel set to rise in 2010 (Published:Thursday | March 18, 2010 | 12:00 AM)<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/592085/370e7573f92716b1c05ca39f3567d705aebe4249/original/cherineanderson-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_orig justify_center border_none" alt="Cherine Anderson and Natel on the set of the video for 'You Turn Me On'. - Contributed" /></p>
<p><strong>Krista Henry, Staff Reporter </strong></p>
<p><strong>One of the distinctive voices to have emerged from the Digicel Rising Stars talent competition, singer Natel is stepping out in the music world more for 2010 with the backing of the noteworthy Grafton Studios. </strong></p>
<p>Having entered the Rising Stars competition in 2005 and reaching the top 10 and re-entering in 2006 and peaking in the top five, Natel is no stranger to the spotlight. Unlike countless others that haven't surpassed their Rising Stars glory, Natel is slowly breaking out with collaborations with Cherine Anderson in <strong>You Turn Me On</strong> and Mr Vegas with <strong>We'll Survive</strong>, as well as singles of his own. </p>
<p>Born Nathaniel Hewitt and hailing from Manchester, Natel has been around music all his life. His father, Correl Hewitt, has done the rounds on the north-coast hotel circuit, toured the world with other artistes and has his own studio in Manchester, making it no surprise that Natel grew up being interested in music. Having followed his father around when he worked, Natel soon learnt to be an accomplished musician, playing the drums, bass, guitar and keyboard before testing his singing voice. </p>
<p>At 16, however, Natel took that necessary step, entering Digicel Rising Stars as he said, "The competition was definitely a stepping stone to greater things. After Rising Stars, I went back to my father's studio and started recording a lot of my material and doing a lot of stage shows and realised that the people really loved me."</p>
<p>It was while rehearsing for a show at Mas Camp that Natel was noticed by veteran producer Mikie Bennett of Grafton Studios who told the youngster to pay him a visit. Since then, the singer has moved to Kingston and has been doing a lot of work, having been signed to Grafton Studios last year. The youngster, as well as working closely with Bennett, has also come under the wing of Mr Vegas, who he regards as a big brother, performing alongside him and touring with him to Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana. </p>
<p>Bennett said of Natel, "He's the most exciting young singer I've had the pleasure of working with since Brian and Tony Gold and Chevelle Franklin." </p>
<p>As for his potential, Bennett added that Grafton Studios is investing in Natel by pushing all their resources and support behind him. </p>
<p>"He's everything good: he's manageable, he's produceable and has tremendous talent," Bennett said. "His growth for the past year has been phenomenal. The more and more producers he's working with is the more excited they are getting as well. He just started working with Don Corleon and he too is excited." </p>
<p><strong>Collaboration </strong></p>
<p>Natel and Don Corleon's collaboration produced <strong>Pan Me</strong> on the latter's Gala rhythm. Other singles include <strong>God Sent</strong> for TJ Record's DNA rhythm, <strong>One Foot</strong> on the Jumpdrive rhythm as well as <strong>Party Time</strong> with Mr Vegas and Chi Ching Ching. </p>
<p>Describing his style as a versatile mix of dancehall, reggae and R&B, Natel has high hopes for the future. </p>
<p>"I see myself getting that international hit as well as attending the Grammys as a nominee 'cause I'm putting in a lot of hard work," said the singer.</p>NVT3Ltag:nvt3l.com,2005:Post/68402852021-12-14T04:09:06-05:002021-12-14T04:11:30-05:00Building culture in Royal Flat<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/592085/2d6a428908159c2f0244d8272ae6ead8fb0acd03/original/correlhewitt04.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_left border_none" alt="Correl Hewitt inside his studio with a guitar he got as a gift from Rolling Stones' Keith Richards." /></p>
<p><strong>Dave Lindo, Gleaner Writer </strong></p>
<p>ROYAL FLAT, Manchester:DRIVING THROUGH Royal Flat in Manchester, one might notice the scenic Culture Park, which lights up the community with its beautiful flowers and buildings, all set in a relaxing atmosphere. </p>
<p>This is the work of veteran musician Correl Hewitt who, in recent times, became popularly known as the father of Digicel Rising Stars' standout, <strong>Natel</strong>. </p>
<p>Music runs in the blood of Hewitt, as he explained, "My father played the guitar, so, too, my older brother Lascelles, who is an accomplished jazz guitarist. We are also cousins of the famous guitarist Ernie Ranglin." </p>
<p>Hewitt was born in Royal Flat and grew up with a passion for music. "I loved the music from I was a very tender age. I used to make my little guitar out of pan with fish line. I love it so much that I bought my first box guitar at a very tender age." </p>
<p>Hewitt added: "My father never wanted us to play because in his time, he didn't get anything from music. I used to listen keenly when they (brother and father) were playing, and when my father leave home, I used to catch my practice."</p>
<p>He later honed his skills playing for the Thunder Bolt band in Mandeville in the early 1980s. "Then mayor of Mandeville, Cecil Charlton, used to go in all the constituencies with float parades around August doing shows where the band (Thunder Bolt) used to play," Hewitt disclosed. </p>
<p>With his guitar skills improving, Hewitt had a desire for greater things. "I just thought I could go further. So one day, I just took a bus and went straight to 'Ochi' and I realised that that's where I should have been for years." </p>
<p>Hewitt added: "A guy that did cabaret was listening to me playing one day. He told me that they needed a guitarist at Ruins, in those days, Buccaneer Cascade. I went and I told the manager that I ws a guitarist and I was looking a job. After playing for him, he fired the whole band that was there. The manager gave me his car, a Toyota Crown, and told me to go find some musicians. I went for Gibby from 809 band, Winston Anderson, a keyboard player and singer called Thatch Hat, and went back." </p>
<p>That band was the resident band at Buccaneer Cascade for three years. "I watched the Jamaica Grande Hotel being built. A lot of bands were lined up to get the job as the resident band there. Tony DaCosta Affair put a band together to get the job. When we auditioned, we got the job and were the first band that played there. We played for people like Totlin Jackson, Archie Lewis, ET Webster, AJ Brown, and many more." </p>
<p>Hewitt became a household name on the north coast as a top musician. He worked with great local and international musicians and producers, including Jack Ruby, UB40, and the Rolling Stones. "I have a guitar that Keith Richards from the Rolling Stones gave me. He autographed it and put it around my neck." </p>
<p>After playing music for 25 years on the north coast, Hewitt moved back to Royal Flat. "I had just built a house at Shaw Park Gardens up in the hills.<strong> Natel</strong> had passed his exams for Knox College and I know that Knox was a good school, so I just gave up everything, including my job, to be there for him," Hewitt explained. </p>
<p>He stuck to his music, and with big land space at his family home in Royal Flat, he built the culture park. The park has an art gallery where Hewitt showcases his paintings. It has a restaurant and bar and a stage area, all in a beautiful garden. "I built the entire complex by myself - the mason work, carpentry work, everything," he said. </p>
<p>"I formed the Breeze band, using some of the youths around the area, and we had live band sessions where many big-name artistes as well as up-and-coming artistes showed there talents." </p>
<p>Hewitt also built a recording studio at the complex. He also teaches guitar.</p>NVT3L