Anthony Minott, Star Writer

Lyricist and songwriter Villa Vil, real name Orville Mullings, hopes that his musical skills will be as potent as his right foot in football as he makes a bold step at stardom.

Villa Vil is now promoting a new single, Party Anthem, on the Party Anthem rhythm under Dwayne Pow's Strivers Records featuring Fambo and Charly Black.

Villa has also done songs such as Miracle Mother, Cheat To featuring Macka Diamond, Frenz Fi Lyfe, featuring Lukie D, We Are Number 1, and Music.

Villa says two local artistes, Bounty Killer and Vybz Kartel, have made a positive impact on his musical career.

"I am influenced by the commanding voice of Bounty Killer and the wittiness of Vybz Kartel," said Villa, adding that he one day hopes to do a collaboration with Richie Stephens.

Villa grew up with his parents in St Andrew and while there he fell in love with music. His father had an old turntable which he used to practise on and record his work on cassettes. He would deejay and pretend he was one of the popular acts on the airwaves of the time.

During his tenure at Jamaica College (JC), he would engage in the beating of rhythms on the classroom desks and deejaywhile his friends stood as the critical audience. Their reception of his work proved positive and helped to keep him on track to pursuing music on a larger scale.

He graduated from JC in 1995 as one of the top football players. He represented JC in Pepsi, Colts and Manning Cup. He then migrated to continue his football career 1998 in the United States. While there, he worked assiduously on his music, performing at several shows in Orlando, Florida.

marketing his music

Upon his return to Jamaica, he decided to start marketing his music locally. He still plays football, and starts as a striker on Royal Lakes football team based in Central St Catherine, where he has scored many goals.

Currently, he is independently producing his work under Strivers Production, but he has also worked with local producers like Sajay Records, Bulby (Fat Eyes), and Blue Feet (formerly Footy Production).

Villa Vil intends to master his love for music and is dedicated to put in all the work that is necessary to get him to the top.

From his father's turntables to the studio, there is only upward movement for Villa Vil. He will soon be a force to reckon with in the music industry. His advice to the youths today is to "think positive, stay focused, don't be a clown, turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones".

He added: "In the next five years, I see myself at the forefront of my career, worldwide acclaimed, making Villa Vil a household name."