In an industry where the average performer is desperate for overnight success, singjay Duh Duh Shanti is an exception. It took 15 years before he got the satisfaction of having his first song released.

The big moment came with Distance, a song produced by Ricardo 'Ricky Bling' Clarke, head of Riverton City-based Scrap Metal Records.

After such a long wait, Duh Duh Shanti is savouring his biggest achievement to date as an entertainer.

"I'm overjoyed, overwhelmed. Is like mi win the Lotto!"

He has good reason to celebrate, considering it was long ago in 1996 that he first stepped into the recording booth of the Anchor studio in Kingston. The song he recorded back then was never released.

Other songs like I'm Okay and Watch What You Teach the Little Juveniles followed for the Easy Flex label but, like their predecessor, never saw the light of day.

Despite those disappointments, Duh Duh Shanti said he never got frustrated, preferring to find alternative means to make a living. He worked as a mason and auto mechanic while still having hopes of making it as an entertainer.

Distance is among a clutch of songs released by Scrap Metal Records, a label keen on making a name by breaking artistes from Riverton City.

Duh Duh Shanti was born Naul McLean in Barbican, but moved to Riverton as a child. It's where he discovered his musical calling, inspired by roots icons like Burning Spear and Joseph Hill of Culture.

He left school at an early age. even then, music was a saving grace.

biggest influence

"Mi always create songs, even when times hard the pace never leave mi," he said.

Hardcore deejay Bounty Killer remains Duh Duh Shanti's biggest influence musically, but he also admires the sounds of dancehall acts like I Octane, Konshens, Assassin, Busy Signal and Jah Cure.

Unlike Duh Duh Shanti, none of those artistes had to endure a long wait before getting their break. He is proof of the Jamaican adage: "If yuh waan good, yuh nose haffi run".