Daville

Biography

Da'Ville, aka Orville Thomas, the former lead singer of the renowned boys group ARP (A Raw Perspective) has upped the ante on his solo career, which has amassed a large local and overseas following. He started singing at age 16 when he wrote and recorded his first single under the influence of his father, Jah Thomas, who was a dancehall star in the 1970's. "I voiced the first song for him, my first real recording. I felt like I was continuing my father's legacy." Prior to that, the singer had...

Da'Ville, aka Orville Thomas, the former lead singer of the renowned boys group ARP (A Raw Perspective) has upped the ante on his solo career, which has amassed a large local and overseas following.

He started singing at age 16 when he wrote and recorded his first single under the influence of his father, Jah Thomas, who was a dancehall star in the 1970's.

"I voiced the first song for him, my first real recording. I felt like I was continuing my father's legacy."

Prior to that, the singer had been singing in the St. Peter Claver Church choir and performing at local school functions.

Da'Ville enjoyed singing so much that he knew from an early age that music would be at the forefront of his career goals.

"I once thought that I would become an accountant or a manager for a large corporation, but music influenced me so much that I felt a sense of satisfaction using it as a medium to express my life experiences. In the end, my music became my greatest influence, passion and joy."

After working for a few years with former group members of ARP and creating quite a buzz for themselves on the Jamaican reggae scene, in 2001 Da'Ville decided to go solo.

He signed with Penthouse Records under the management of Donovan Germaine, where he recorded hit singles such as: Love Will Show Me the Way, Cruzin, My Ego, and All My Life, which he recorded with, then label mate, Marcia Griffiths.

All My Life, was nominated for the 2001 Reggae Soca Awards. Since leaving Penthouse Records, Da'Ville has continued to build on quite an impressive repertoire which also includes other hit singles such as: Gallis, This is the Feeling, Banana, The one for me, and chart topping hits: Hey Baby, and In Heaven.

Da'Ville's versatility with music allows him to create cool lovers' lyrics while still competing in the fast-paced world of dancehall.

His major concert performances include appearances on the 2003 Sting Reggae Festival stage, as well as Reggae Summerfest in 2004.

Da'ville has shared the stage with artistes such as Sean Paul, Lady Saw and Beenie Man.

The crooner's excellent vocal skills and his definitive lovers rock and dancehall style delivery allow him to reach a very diverse musical audience.

Special appearances

Aside from his vocal abilities, Da'Ville is a great songwriter, composer and producer. He has written most of his songs and has produced several of his singles on the NAP Musiq and Fashozy Record Labels. Da'Ville adds to his credits several music videos and special appearances in television commercials.

In 2005 his debut album In Heaven was released in Japan by Avex Entertainment Group. The album has also been released in Jamaica and is available through arrangements with All Access Entertainment in Kingston and Florida as well as VP Records in New York. The In Heaven CD is also being sold online through www.cdbaby.com.

The success of Da'Ville's first album in Japan has led to several tours and the decision by Avex to release his second Japanese album Can't Get Over You. Two singles released in Jamaica from this new album Can't Get Over You and On My Mind and the accompanying videos have received a whole lot of love from popular radio, club and sound system DJs, setting the stage for another successful album.

Can't Get Over You hit the number 1 spot on Hit94FM in Aruba and On My Mind is proving to be Da'Ville's biggest hit to date with the video rising to number 1 on the RE TV Reggae Top 20. The single also made it to number 1 on the South Florida Reggae charts and the top 5 on Reggae charts in Jamaica and New York.

There is definitely love in the local and international marketplace for Da'Ville and his music. The many fan emails and responses received at his personal website www.davillevibe.com and his page onmyspace.com www.myspace.com/daville1 provide very clear evidence of an ever-expanding national and international fan base.

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