Windel Beneto Edwards (born 25 October 1983), better known by his stage name Gyptian (), is a Jamaican reggae singer. He often appears with roots reggae songs within the reggae subgenre dancehall.
Early life Born to a Seventh-day Adventist mother Pauline McCaulsky and Rastafarian father, Edwards received his musical calling at the age of seven, when he began singing in the church. He grew up in a small community in Rural St. Andrew, Jamaica called King Weston District. Recognizing his talent, his parents introduced him to Mr. Wong, a record producer from Portmore, St. Catherine. "I did not take it seriously," said Edwards "My family members have always been carrying me to Portmore to see him, but I usually disappear. One day, they dropped me off at his studio and left me and it all began there."
Career Career beginnings Under the guidance of Mr. Wong and Earl Chinna Smith, Gyptian honed his sound, winning the 2004 Star Search talent competition at Kens Wild Flower Lounge in Portmore, earning him a spot at Sting 2004, dubbed the 'greatest one night reggae show on earth'.
The singer earned his nickname from his habit of tying a shirt around his head and twisting his chin hair like an Egyptian pharaoh. In 2005, he scored two hits, "Is There A Place" on the Seasons Riddim and "Serious Times".
Nominated for Best New Entertainer at the 2006 International Reggae and World Music Awards, the singer has been dominating the Jamaican charts with hits including "Is There a Place", "Beautiful Lady", and the chart-topping ballad, "Mama, Don't Cry".
On 12 September 2006, Gyptian released his first album My Name Is Gyptian on VP Records. On 12 December 2007, Gyptian, while in New York City, shot the music video, directed by Rhona Fox, for his new single, "I Can Feel Your Pain" (Cloud Nine Riddim) Produced by JonFX. The song was the first to be confirmed to appear on his second album I Can Feel Your Pain, which was released in 2008.
2010 and crossover success As of the end of May 2010, his single "Hold Yuh" had peaked at number 91 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 33 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Chart, number 6Heatseekers Songs. Billboard.com (5 June 2010). Retrieved on 24 November 2010. on the Billboard Heatseekers Songs Chart and had been at the top of the Reggae Digital Songs chart for nine consecutive weeks.
In June, the song re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 and eventually reached a new peak of 77 on that chart, number 3 on the Heatseekers Songs chart, 31 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Chart, 63 on the Radio Songs chart and an astonishing peak of 28 on the Billboard Rhythmic Top 40, capitalizing its crossover success. The song also peaked at number 1 on the Dancehall/Reggae fusion Charts of the Jamaica Weekly Music Charts for two consecutive weeks.Reggae Vibes presents Jamaica's Weekly Music Countdown Charts . Reggae-vibes.com (19 November 2010). Retrieved on 24 November 2010. In Canada it peaked at No. 69 on the Canadian Hot 100.Canada Singles Top 100 – Music Charts. Acharts.us. Retrieved 24 November 2010. The official remix for the song features rapper Nicki Minaj.Broadcast Yourself. YouTube. Retrieved on 24 November 2010. It spent 29 weeks on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Chart and 15 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100.
Gyptian had further chart success with his third album Hold You, which reached number 2 on Billboard'''s Reggae Albums Chart. The title track, "Hold Yuh", became a multi-chart hit worldwide. According to Billboard magazine, "not since Wayne Wonder's "No Letting Go" has an underground reggae artist garnered as much attention in the United States as Jamaica's own Gyptian."
The song also became popular in the UK, and was released there on 7 November by Ministry of Sound Recordings, in an EP which will include remixes by Shy FX, Major Lazer and Toddla T.
In October 2012, he released the SLR EP, which included three tracks from his forthcoming album.Campbell, Howard (2012) "Gyptian: Ready to go", Jamaica Observer, 26 October 2012, retrieved 27 October 2012 His fourth album Sex, Love & Reggae was released in October 2013 and entered the Billboard Top Reggae Albums chart at number one.Jackson, Kevin (2013) "Gyptian tops Billboard chart on his debut", Jamaica Observer, 8 November 2013. Retrieved 8 November 2013
His latest album, Nothing to Lose'', was set for release in April 2015, but never got released.Morgan, Simone (2015) "Nothing to Lose", Jamaica Observer, 24 February 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2015
Artistry His style of reggae music is considered lovers rock and roots reggae, with songs about political issues and love. His musical and lyrical style has been compared to established Jamaican artists, such as Sizzla, Luciano and Beres Hammond.
Personal life Gyptian is currently single and is living in Jamaica. In June 2006 his twin sons died after being born prematurely.
On 8 June 2010, he crashed his motorbike and sustained minor head and shoulder injuries.Entertainment :: Gyptian in bike crash – Singer sustains cuts, bruises: 8 June 2010 . The Jamaica Star (8 June 2010). Retrieved 24 November 2010.
He is Rastafarian, and this is supported by lyrics in some of his songs, including "Leave Us Alone", where chants about Selassie I can be heard.
Discography Albums Title Album details Peak chart positionsUSUS R&BUS HeatUS Reggae My Name Is Gyptian Released: 18 September 2006 Label: VP — — — 13 I Can Feel Your Pain Released: 3 November 2008 Label: VP Format: CD — — — 4 Hold You Released: 19 July 2010 Label: VP Format: CD, digital download 186 34 6 2 Sex, Love & Reggae Released: 25 October 2013 Label: VP Format: CD, digital download — — — 1
EPs Title Album details SLR Released: October 16, 2012 Label: VP Format: Digital download
Singles Year Title Peak chart positions Certifications Album BEL(FL) CAN FRA UK US US R&B2010"Hold You" 31 69 45 16 77 31BPI: 2× PlatinumHold You2011"Nah Let Go" — — — — — — 2013"Wine Slow" — — — — — — BPI: Silver Sex, Love & Reggae"Non Stop" — — — — — —"Vixen" — — — — — —2014"Wet Fete" — — — — — —2015"All on Me" — — — — — — Nothing to Lose2017"Belong to You" — — — — — — TBA
Featured singles Year Title Peak chart positions Certifications Album BEL(FL) CAN FRA UK US US R&B2011"Pum Pum Shorts" — — — — — — rowspan="2" 2012"Destiny" — — — — — —2012"Ma'Gyptian" (Magician Remix) — — — — — — Everybody Loves Prince2015"My Number 1" — — — 45 — — rowspan="2" 2015"Wherever You Go" — — — — — —2020"Move It That Way" — — — — — — "Relief"2023"Gotta" — — — — — — Single
References
External links Article about Gyptian in the Jamaica Star