Angel Doolas still contributing to reggae and dancehall

There are more than 20 tracks that feature the voice of Seaview Gardens artistes Bounty Killer and Angel Doolas, the latter credited for writing the catchy lyrics and tongue-twisting metaphors that are heard in several of the productions.

Everyone is familiar with the high-pitched chants of 'fat pun**y a dead tonight' from their collaboration Fitness in the early 2000s; it's the song that introduced Angel Doolas to the hardcore dancehall community and it is still the entertainer's greatest hit.

But even before those lyrics hit the streets, the two first collaborated on a track titled Georgie Porgie.

Angel Doolas laughs, "I am sure you don't know that song. It was just the first thing we put together and it did not become a hit." It was 1987 when Angel Doolas first glimpsed Bounty Killer.

"At the time he was no more than 16 years old, not yet an artiste, but he attracted a crowd in the community with his counselling the youth about unity and avoiding a life of crime and violence," Angel Doolas told THE WEEKEND STAR. "When I realised the person in the middle of the gathering was a young male and seeing the look on their faces, I knew he would have an even greater influence but our meeting never happened right away."

The two would soon get into a space and 'hol' a reason', which birthed productive songwriting and recording sessions. Today, they still share the stage from time to time.

In fact, anyone attending Reggae Sumfest 2019 show will likely catch a glimpse of Angel Doolas.

"If Bounty is doing a track show, I don't serve much purpose there. But for the shows where he is backed by a band, I am usually responsible for the line-up or ensuring that the roster of songs is in good order," he explained.

The entertainer, dubbed a strong expressionalist in his time, says even with some songs not named hits of the 90s, they earned him respect with other dancehall artistes whether as a lyricist or songwriter.

He has remained a steadfast contributor to the culture of reggae and dancehall, even though he has not been doing much vocally.

BLOOMING CAREER

Instead, the entertainer's songwriting career bloomed over the past decade, to heights where he can boast that he is a Grammy Award winner, having co-written tracks with Damian 'Jr Gong' Marley for the Stony Hill album released two years ago.

"Over the years, I have learnt my limits. From then I always think about what I can deliver from what I couldn't ... some people have to deliver some people's messages and so I find myself acting as a ghostwriter for some artistes," he said. "My voice does not allow me to do everything and perform all the lyrics and sounds I develop in my mind. Take for instance Book Book Book; there is no way I could deliver that song as good as Bounty Killer."

Only in his 40s, the entertainer is still active in recording, in hopes of getting his voice heard and maybe to make a hit.

He recently released two new singles, Puss in a Bag and Better Girl.

Angel Doolas will host a cookout and day rave in Seaview on July 25 and is billed as one of the main acts for Summer Heat, five days later at the Container Hotspot.

"People can expect a mixture of spontaneity and intimacy, because I am not high energy or as animated with the art like other artistes. My way of connecting with the audience has always been getting up close and personal so they can see my facial expressions," he said.