Stephen Souza

(Reggae, R&B, and Soul)

As a Balladeer, Stephen Souza will quickly be joining the ranks of Lovers Rocks’ top male vocalists. An inspired singer and songwriter, anyone who listens to his songs can relate to them, as they are his words, but your story, and with his soulful voice, his tantalizing lyrics and his charming good looks, you can’t help but be captivated.

Born in England, but raised in Jamaica, Stephen grew up to the recordings of Studio One, Treasure Isle, and Duke Reid, with early influences by Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, John Holt, the Heptones, Ken Boothe and Bob Marley and the Wailers. At an early age, his family noticed his creative musical mobility, as he was adept at interpreting popular songs and transforming them into his own unique style. Stephen’s professional debut began at Manchester High School, in Mandeville Jamaica, the same community that boasts Garnett Silk, Tony Rebel, and Luciano. Despite being shy, and strongly encouraged by his childhood friend and now label mate Tony Roach, Stephen auditioned for the High School band “Phase II”. The music teacher, the late Steadman Barrett was blown away and immediately made Stephen the lead vocalist. Not only did they rock the annual variety concerts at their school, but also concerts in Central Jamaica. As their popularity grew they caught the attention of the more established bands such as Fab 5, The Chosen Few, Third World and the We The People Band. They were also featured in numerous articles in the Jamaica Daily News, The Star and The Gleaner. It was Glen Bowen, a reporter from the Daily News who honed the often-heard phrase, “Phase II dem talented fe true.” As Stephen’s and Phase II’s fame grew, promoters sought them out to open for many top recording artists such as Yellowman, Toots & the Maytals, and Carlene Davis, just to name a few.

Saddened when the rehearsal studio in which Stephen and his band called home, closed its doors to them, Stephen migrated to the USA, to pursue his studies in electrical engineering and computer science. While at college, pursuing his degree, he seized the opportunity to improve his singing and song writing skills. Stephen provided background vocals on numerous recordings; the most successful of which was Danny Dread’s “Respect Due” for Moodies Records. His next move was to team up with the Mount Vernon Based band, Azmari Jahz. His versatility, energy, and appeal transformed the band into a sexy reggae ensemble, which led them to open for the award winning Third World Band. The audiences loved them and the women just couldn’t get enough of Stephen.

It was Basil Marshal, formerly of RCA Records, and George Golding, former manager of the Third World Band, who decided to showcase Stephen as a solo artist opening for Dawn Penn and Nadine Sutherland. This union lead to the release of “Crying Over You”, a Stephen Souza original which did very well on the local charts

For the next five years, Stephen Souza’s musical home was at Virquarian Records founded by producer Errol Wilson. He was so impressed with Stephen’s style that he featured him on Pam Hall’s CD, “Magic”. Their duet, “Save The Last Dance For Me” was a radio and club favorite in Japan, Sweden and Australia. Also released was the single “Say Yes”, an instant radio and club favorite, earning a spot on the charts of Reggae Report Magazine’s Crucial Cuts. For Virquarian Records, Stephen Souza also wrote and co-produced the single, “Tell Me You’re Not Leaving”, for Erika Newell of Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers. Another Stephen Souza original “Just One Look” can be found on the compilation CD “Sweet Love Vol. II”.

Now with Ruff Stuff Records, Stephen has performed at most of the Tri-state’s popular nightspots with such “greats” as the late Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Sean Paul, Beenie Man, and Wayne Wonder to name a few. An accomplished stage performer, his performances always leave the audiences demanding more. His debut single for Ruff Stuff Records “Sweet Baby” received excellent reviews and the much anticipated follow-up single “If You Were Mine” enjoyed heavy rotation on radio stations locally and internationally and a club favorite. With the newly released remake of the R&B hit “Treat Her Like A Lady” Stephen is definitely making his mark.

Ruff Stuff Records has now released Stephen’s debut CD “If You Were Mine”, an impressive collection of original and classic lover’s rock tunes. This CD also features collaborations with superstar Frankie Paul, and label mates Charmaine John, and Mr. Kool, whom he is also writing and co-producing tracks for.

With vocal deliveries reminiscent of the old school R&B crooners, heart-stirring lyrics imbued with personal meaning, and pulsating beats provided by the Ruff Stuff Band, this CD is destined to become a hit!

For more information check his new web site www.stephensouza.com

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