Perfect Giddimani Interview

August 11, 2016

Short Biography:
Greg Rose (born 26th March 1980), better known by his stage name Perfect Giddimani, Mr. Perfect or simply Perfect is a Jamaican reggae singer. Who has gained worldwide recognition for his reggae hit “Hand Cart Bwoy” which entered the Jamaican charts in 2004. The third child in a family of four children, Perfect grew up in Bamboo, in the parish of St. Ann, Jamaica. He cut his first tune as Little Ninja, before settling on his current stage name. Attending York Castle High School he then relocated to Kingston. The first song that highlighted his name was “Lock Me Up” in 2004 but his break through came with the now classic “Hand Cart Bwoy”.

Gav Pauze: When did you first start singing?
Perfect Giddimani: I started singing at a very early,it was about when I was 6 or 7yrs old. My Dad owned, leased and repaired Juke Boxes so there was always music around, he also tricked the box by making us play it without inserting coins so this gave me free access to tons of tunes and the versions. What I really liked doing was to listen an original song, play the version and then try to sing back exactly what I heard, so that is where it all began.

Gav Pauze: Did your family encourage you?
Perfect Giddimani: I would say yes and no. Yes, because there was always music around the house 45s, LPs, microphones, amplifiers, turntables etc, as I said my Dad is a technician by trade so my yard was filled with equipment, my Mom was an Alto singer for her church choir so the music was always in my ears. No, because I was told repeatedly “do ur school work that is important, this music thing not taking you no where”.

Gav Pauze: Who else sings in your family?
Perfect Giddimani: My mother sings very well and I also have cousins that are into music also.

Gav Pauze: Who are your musical inspirations?
Perfect Giddimani: The Good,The Bad and the Ugly. From the Professor at Harvard to the mad man on the street, my past my present and my faith into the future, Africa, my ancestors, Slavery, nature, my Mom and Dad. Also great books that I’ve read over the years, all the different places I’ve been and experiences I’ve had along the way all inspire I.

Gav Pauze: What kind of music do you listen to today?
Perfect Giddimani: Presently I’m listening to my brand new album “Reggae Farm Work” which will be released on March 4th by Irie Ites Records, the album has 14 tracks, all live instruments and the production is on point. Top Jamaican musicians on the album are Dean Fraser, Nambo Robinson, Mafia & Fluxxy, Roots Radics, Green & Fresh and Willy Williams. Apart from that I have a few selective independent artist that I really do enjoy poppin too in my headphones.

Gav Pauze: Do you release music on vinyl?
Perfect Giddimani: I have released a lot of vinyls back in the day when it was really in demand but after it slowed down I also took a break, but now that its getting hot again I’m thinking about doing some in the near future. Recently we had a meeting with Irie Ites about releasing the new album on vinyl, so wait for it I guess.

Gav Pauze: Where would you most like to perform?
Perfect Giddimani: I give a lot of energy from where I get a lot of energy and Europe is definitely the spot. I have a strong support there over the years so therefore I always look forward to and feel super happy performing for the massive. This year will mark 10 years since I’ve been performing on the continent so it’s kinda my anniversary also. My first time was back in 2005 when I was performing as opening act for the Great Anthony B.

Gav Pauze: Who would you most like to work with?
Perfect Giddimani: There is a lot of great talent out there I really don’t know where to start but off the back of my head I would start with Sade, Daweh Congo, Tyler Perry (Film Producer) just to name a few. It also Doesn’t matter if the individual is popular or not, I just like getting creative and in touch with talented people period. Talent has no colour, class or race.

Gav Pauze: What do you think about whilst performing?
Perfect Giddimani: Lol, I talk to myself in second person mode. I’m like “ok Giddi you gotta keep these folks happy for the next hour, so whatever you have to do musically onstage to put that perfect smile on ur their face must be done” LoL!!! I love to interact with my crowd and see where their minds are at, I have intervals on stage sometimes where I will be talking to the audience for a few minutes like a Preacher and then in less than a second I transform into your ultimate party partner.

Gav Pauze: If you weren’t singing, what would you be doing?
Perfect Giddimani: Trying to sing I guess. I love music so much that I would have to be involved some way or another. The genre, Reggae, has a lot of departments so of course I would be knocking on another door for sure. Maybe I would be killing sound boys and girls or managing an artist, who knows? Probably I would be your favourite DJ on your local radio station.

Gav Pauze: Do you play any instruments?
Perfect Giddimani: Yes I do play the keyboards, I’m not a great player but I can help my self out. My Mom sent me to do piano lessons when I was about 12 years old but I never followed them all the way through, the majority of what I learnt after is what I taught myself.

Gav Pauze: If you could/do dabble in another genre of music, what would it be/is it?
Perfect Giddimani: I would say Conscious Hip Hop, and the reason is because Reggae gave birth to Hip Hop so if i’m in love with the Mother, why not play with the child. Presently I’m producing a few Hip Hop artist on my own label, Giddimani Records. The first release “Last Hit” with Young Shanty featuring Jahdan Blakkamoore is over a classic laid back Hip Hop beat, that will be out in February, plus we are in the process of finishing up Young Shanty’s debut EP, that will be out later this year.

Gav Pauze: What genre of music can’t you stand to listen to?
Perfect Giddimani: It’s not really about the genre it’s more about some individuals from each genre, that create garbage within the genre and as a result I get an ear infection by hearing them because I definitely don’t listen to it. So over all I can’t stand listening to certain songs from each genre.

Gav Pauze: What hidden talents do you have?
Perfect Giddimani: Farming, Cooking and Producing (Composer/Vocal Arrangement/Writer).

Gav Pauze: What can we expect from you in 2016 and beyond?
Perfect Giddimani: If I told you I would have almost fulfilled your expectations lol. All I can say is, I’m not sure anymore. Sometimes you won’t have a plan you just have to be positive keep the faith, meekly wait and mumble not. #WAITFORIT