OMAR CRAIG FORSYTHE (born August 2, LEO) was born and raised in Jamaica. Known musically as JAY-5Flow, he is a diverse Los Angeles based international reggae and dancehall artist, who believe and breathes the philosophy “Never give up on your dreams… Keep working hard each day and you will be successful.”
Jay-5 who grew up in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, revealed to his mother at a very young age his desire to be an entertainer. Music was so deeply embedded in young Jay-5, that it would eventually led to him getting suspended from High school during his teenage years. Like fire, music burned fervently inside young Jay-5 it forced him to go against school policy and performed in front of his entire classroom which was against school’s policy. Instead of being deterred, Jay-5 sought out more appropriate avenues to quench his appetite for music.
In the late 1990’s with the support of his good friend dancehall artist Russian, Jay-5 began performing at many local shows in the parishes of St. Mary and St. Ann. Fearlessly Jay-5’s hunger to showcase his versatility, diversity and wit, grew rapidly which lead to him performing in Tourist sector, providing live entertainment in resorts across Jamaica’s North Coast.
In 2008, Jay-5 met the producer and CEO of Rebel Soulz, through Russian. Under the guidance of the Rebel Soulz camp, Jay-5 did his first professional recordings which include “Magic (Pearl Riddim)” and “Just Dance (Current Affairs Riddim)”.
After that recording and performing, for Jay-5 music became a career, his dreams were now taking flight. This led to the alliance with renowned dancehall deejay and actor Spragga Benz and his Red Square Crew. His musical talents were also recognized by producer, Minto Pierre (MPR) who produced the track “Shake It Señorita” which is on his album The Dancehall Macarena.
In 2003, Jay-5 relocated to Los Angeles, California to further pursue his career in entertainment.
His relationship with Spragga Benz and his Red Square family created platforms that gave him the break to perform in international events sharing the stage with the likes of rapper Foxy Brown, Kymani Marley son of reggae legend Bob Marley, Beenie Man, Gyptian, Warrior King, Konshens, Kranum of curse Spragga Benz and many others. Jay-5 have also tour the US alongside Spragga Benz, He recorded Dancehall Macarena his hit song on his album The Dancehall Macarena for Hot Boxxx Ent. To add Jay-5 performed at the “2014 Sting” which is one of the most anticipated dancehall platforms that takes place in The Parish of Saint Cathrine, Portmore Jamaica.
In 2015 VP Records sign Jay-5 to a 4 year distribution deal.
Freddie McGregor will on Thursday May 25, 2017 receive the prestigious Silver Musgrave Awards for his contribution to the arts through music at the Institute of Jamaica in Kingston. Mr. McGregor is highly appreciative of this award and shares that he feels most appreciated when celebrated at home especially for awards selected by the cultural and creative community to which he belongs. “To be given an award in the same category as the Honorable Louise Bennett and Professor Rex Nettleford is really heartwarming for various reasons as it a testament to the fact that Reggae music is appreciated among all classes of Jamaicans whether uptown, downtown, political or academic.”
Steven Omar Black, more popularly known as Action Blaxxs, is an emerging Dancehall Recording Artist who is currently getting a lot of attention because of his aggressive style and catchy punch lines.
