Born Von Wayne Charles on July 26, 1972 in Buff Bay, Portland, Wayne’s
initial singing inspiration came from attending Sunday school, where
singing was compulsory, and from his mother who sang in church. As a
child Wayne and his family moved all over eastern Kingston, living in
areas such as Dunkirk, Franklin Town and Rae Town, home of the weekly
Sunday night Reggae/R&B oldies street dance. The exposure to vintage
45’s at these dances would provide Wayne with a richer, more soulful
vocal approach to a Reggae rhythm track than many of his contemporaries.
It was at secondary school where Wayne’s thoughtfulness and philosophical
nature led to the acquisition of the nickname “Wonder”;
young Wayne sang at school, at home, at church and for his friends and
wherever he sang, he was encouraged to pursue his craft professionally.
Wayne has been working tirelessly in the studio completing tracks for
his upcoming album for VP Records “No Holding Back”
due February 2003. He has done much of the pre-production work in his
New York home studio, as well as recording tracks in Jamaica. Wayne
wrote or co- wrote all of the songs on “No Holding Back”
and the album will certainly adhere to the same superlative vocal and
songwriting standards his fans have come to expect from him over the
years. “I just want to do good songs,” Wayne concludes.
“I’m keeping the mainstream recognition (from “No
Letting Go”) in mind but adding my creative flow to it because
I want people to know that Wayne Wonder is not limited. Once I finish
the album, I’ll hit the road and tour. I got a good band together
and I really feel pleased. I can go out there now and really represent
myself.”
