Daily Inspiration: Meet Star

Today we’d like to introduce you to Star.

Hi Star, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hmmm… Hmm… story. I guess it’s fair to say “Music is my life” lol! From as early as I can remember, I’ve always enjoyed music… various types from African, to Soca, to soul oldies, but my truest love is with Reggae music. I’m 37, almost 38 years of age. I’ve been collecting music since I was 12; first buying CDs, then making a switch to vinyl in my 20s. I would DJ parties within my Sierra Leonean community here in Nashville. When it comes to Reggae, I grew up on Roots Reggae. Reggae is very big in my culture. My parents and uncles grew up on it.

My knowledge stems from spending a lot of time under my Father and uncles. I would just seek and seek. I’ve always been drawn to Jamaican culture and Reggae music since I was young, maybe because of some of the similarities in our language and culture. I’ve come across many Jamaicans that have been impressed with my knowledge of the music and ask “how you know dem song yah and you nuh grow up dung a yard?”At times, I hear “last time mi hear dem chune yah was before mi come a foreign”. I noticed this appreciation for Reggae music more with the older generation, not so much the younger generation. The younger generation prefers dancehall over Reggae. It would often upset me when I hear people call Dancehall Reggae because it’s not.

It’s like R&B and Hip-hop… they come from the same people and culture, but they’re different. People would refer to Roots Reggae as old school. I would be so upset because Roots Reggae never disappeared. New and younger artists are always emerging. I asked a friend of mine once why he never plays Roots Reggae at his parties. He told me that the crowd wouldn’t appreciate it, but then he urged me to start playing in the clubs. I guess it’s safe to say that “Starliner Sounds” was born somewhere in 2016/2017 as I took it upon myself to deliver “Reggae”, not dancehall to the masses.

Slowly, but surely, doors began to open. I was called to take the sound on the road and play in Cincinnati a few times. Believe it or not, that’s a REAL Reggae town. Big up mi bredren, Dela Thrasher for the love. I started my Instagram in 2017. I share albums and try to educate people about what I know. I’ve come to garner some respect within the Reggae community, from other sounds to artists. It feels good to be a part of the Reggae Fraternity. As for the radio station… I guess one can say it’s divinity. I happened to be record searching at Great Escape in Madison. There was a guy record searching for records as well, Mike Mannix.

He saw me looking for Reggae and we began discussing. He told me he was a radio DJ and told me there used to be a Reggae DJ at the station… well, we both knew this guy. He took my info and told me that if I didn’t reach out to him, he would reach out to me and the rest was history. Big up Mike Mannix for playing his part in helping Starliner Sounds broadcast to the world.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been an interesting ride on an interesting road. Djing at the club really wasn’t for me.

I’ve never been much of a club person, but I always wanted a venue where I could perform. The Reggae Gods seem to love me. I happen to stumble across some of the greatest, most rare Reggae records. I look at it as a calling. The Highest God has put me in a position to play for the people. I could never really get big crowds into the clubs. People go to the clubs with the intent to dance. Roots Reggae is not much of a “dancing” music.

Skanking yes, but dancing, no lol! My mentor, the late King Mohican would always tell me to build a following. Over the past years, I’ve done so well enough. It’s just hard at times to remind yourself to be patient when you want something so badly. Other than that, whatever obstacles that may be, are just a part of this journey.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a Reggae DJ (or selector as i prefer to call myself) and radio personality for 101.5 FM (wxnafm.org). The name of my show is “Reggae University”. I go by the name of Star and my sound is Starliner Sounds. Many people refer to me as Star or Starliner. Even my mother jokingly refers to me as Starliner saying “if that’s what the people call you, I must do it too” lol!

I’m known for my knowledge and passion for Reggae. What makes me proud is when people thank me for the Reggae I’ve shown them and the knowledge they have which they now share with others. I feel like Reggae is getting its due diligence when I hear that. I try my best to remain humble. If I have to say what sets me apart from others, it’s my knowledge of the history of the music and not allowing myself to be swayed from Reggae into Dancehall.

I’m also proud to have interviewed many great Reggae artists on my show… from legends to people who are coming up in the industry. I play my part as a teacher of the music

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I first give credit to El Elyon, The Highest God. He has allowed me to be put in certain situations that have just blessed me. After that, I credit my late Father, Abu Sesay, and my 3 uncles: Clifford Beatty, Julius Bankole, and Tarlton Hughes. These guys had music, but were always shocked at my passion and knowledge of the music and to be so young and like the music of the past. My mentor, the late King Mohican was my biggest influence and teacher.

He respected my knowledge and passion, but never gave me the impression that it shocked him lol! This man was a walking library when it came to Reggae. He could give you the back story on any artist, and even songs. Anytime he called me, I would drop what I was doing to listen to him. He would always advise and guide me. He never lead me wrong. I truly appreciate and miss him. My supporters and cheerleaders are my close family and friends. They genuinely root for me. I must give a special shoutout to a brother of mine, Emeka Idoye. I met him towards the end of 2015. He asked me for a Reggae album. I told him I had what he was looking for and invited him over.

Contact Info:

• Email: Starlinersounds@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/starlinersounds/?hl=en
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/starlinersounds
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/athfBdFqG4us5zb8
• Other: www.wxnafm.org (radio station link)