Mr Bertus is a Jamaican Reggae artist with conscious lyrics and a sweet-sounding voice, who has secured himself a place on the list of Jamaican storytellers.
Real name, Marlon Ainsworth, he was born in Kingston 11, and in 1981 relocated to Portmore, due to the city’s political climate at the time. Growing up in a country with no fall-back system in place, the economic hardships of day-to-day living were extremely challenging. Times were tough for the singer, but the one thing Bertus held secure was, he came from a loving family. Soccer & fishing eased some of his tension, and by the age of fifteen, hustling became part of his day-to-day method, where he earned money through barbering and selling items. As a youngster, he did the best he could to take care of himself.
Music sits high on top of Jamaican culture; Reggae and dancehall are wide across the whole island. Singing came naturally to Marlon, and he was inspired by the likes of Josey Wales, Dennis Brown, & Tyrone Taylor. He felt comfortable voicing cover songs, and soon after he began penning his own lyrics.
In 1991 Bertus recorded his first cover “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” on the Michael Steers label. The single rapidly gained attention, which helped secure his first overseas performance on the Turks & Caicos Island.
“Reckless Life,” became the songwriter’s debut single on the Vertex label, a melodic and memorable song, it brought attention for its catchy lyrics, “Some people don’t know, what’s wrong from right, all they wanna do is live a little reckless life.”
As a songwriter, Bertus has written for a host of Reggae Artists. “Twingy,” was the song written for Jamaican female singer Spice. It was her first debut release. He also wrote songs for George Nooks, Pliers, Courtney Melody & Frisco Kid.
One of Mr Bertus’s first major collaborations was with “I-Wayne, one of Jamaica’s renowned and respected singers. The single “They Have No Love” handed out a positive message to the youts and was produced on the Dirtworx label.
Teaming up with Ico Flames for the single, Come & Go,” it featured on the “Reggae Gold” 2021 album. Later, Bertus had the pleasure of working with “Mighty Diamonds,” the song “Green Apples” was a tribute to the legendary Dennis Brown.
Performing at some of Jamaica’s biggest festivals such as “Sting & Rebel Salute, Mr Bertus has also performed at various events including “Reggae in the Valley”, “Ganja Fest” & “One Love Festival”.
A songwriter who likes to speak up, and narrate the tales of Jamaican life. He has gone on to release a string of notable songs such as “African Solider,” and “Ghetto Youths” feat Courtney Melody.
The reggae singers latest song is a dub-plate cover of Delroy Wilson’s 1984, single “Suspicion,” the song is gaining traction, with more dub-plates soon to rise.
A conscious artist who sings from the heart, Mr Bertus continues to go from strength to strength.
One of Jamaica’s global storytellers.
Havana White ©
The island of Jamaica takes a significant place in the world as a country of music. Reggae & Dancehall have influenced many people across the continents. Music & dance go hand in hand, and Jamaicans use it as a tool to release the pressure of life’s struggles. Everywhere you go across the island, you hear music.
The rich array of Reggae artists is far too many to mention, the various styles from past to present have been Mento, Ska, Rocksteady, Dub, Reggae, Dancehall, Lovers & Culture.
Bob Marley was the reggae artist who put Jamaica on the map, but there is an amazing abundance of singers & DJs from way back until today who continue to uphold Jamaica as a place of energising music.
Havana White ©