The first of seven children, Da'Ville was born Orville Thomas on January 24th 1978 in Kingston Jamaica. His father Nkrumah Thomas was a dub artist and producer in the late 70s and early 80s, who influenced him to write his first single. Da'Ville spent most of his childhood under the watchful eye of his grandmother who ensured that he attended church and sang in the choir. While still a member of the St.Peter Claver Church Choir, Da'Ville also joined his high school choir, singing at morning devotions and even then developing his vocals and whetting his appetite for performing.
After graduating from Norman Manly Comprehensive High School, Da'Ville worked as a store clerk, still clinging to the dream of having a successful career as a musician. He tried several times to create boy groups which at the time was the popular route (think 112, Boyz II Men). He eventually joined ARP (A Raw Perspective) with four other young men, performing at talent shows and eventually recording songs like "Lion Sleeps Tonight", which made it big in Jamaica and Europe, "Life"( Da'Ville features prominently on this track) "Missing you", "Heaven on Earth" performed with Beenie Man on the album Many Moods of Moses, and "Why Me Lord" performed with Shaggy on his platinum album Hot Shot
In 2001 Da'Ville signed a solo deal with Penthouse Records, under the management of Donovan Germanine. He recorded hits like "Cruzin" "Love Will Show Me The Way" and "All My Life" (originally performed by Aaron Neville) featuring then label mate Marcia Griffiths. The song was nominated for a 2001 Reggae Soca Award.
His debut album In Heaven (Fashozy Records) was released in Japan by Avex Entertainment Group. Not only did the album feature his vocal and writing talents, it showcased Da'Ville's production skills. The album made it to the top ten best selling records of 2005 for Tower Records (Japan) leading to tours throughout the country and back home in the Caribbean.
The following year Avex released the album Can't Get Over You, also produced by Da'Ville and J.Brown for Fashozy Records. The title track "Can't Get Over You" as well as the hit single "On My Mind" and "This Time I Promise" solidified his reputation as "Big Bad Singer". Moreover, they featured prominently on several charts and compilations. "Can't Get Over You" was a top ten reggae hit in Jamaica and was the top of the charts in Aruba, #2in New York and was on VP Records' Reggae Gold 2006. “On My Mind,” held the 1 position on several charts including Jamaica (5 weeks), New York (3 weeks), Florida, Europe and Africa. Da'Ville even got a write up in the New York Times after a wicked performance in early October. He rounded off a very successful 2006 with his honor as Stone Love's “Singer Of The Year."
On My Mind (VPRecords) was his 2007 release featuring chart-toppers such as “On My Mind” and “Cant Get Over You” as well as “This Time I Promise”(featured on Strictly The Best vol. 38)and “Dancehall Lovers Rock.” In spring of the same year, after an extensive European tour, Da’Ville made several appearances in North America. He performed at The Best of The Best Concert in Florida and the 26th International Reggae & World Music Awards held at the Apollo Theatre,where he was nominated in several categories and won Most Improved Entertainer for 2006. In addition, Da’Ville made a special guest appearance at Madison Square Garden and he also performed at Irie Jamboree V before leaving for yet another Japan and Caribbean tour. That same year "Always On My Mind" was remixed with Sean Paul, leading to more recognition for the song for which they won the Best Reggae Vocal Performance award at the First Annual Reggae Awards on Sunday February 24th 2008.Not forgetting his early success in Japan, Da'Ville paid homage with the release of Ichiban (which means "number one" in Japanese) on December 12th 2008. Da'Ville toured extensively in Japan promoting the album and even got a clothing deal with Nike who dressed him while on his Japanese promo blitz. I guess the move paid off because "Ichiban" became the number one downloaded single in Japan soon after its release.
Da'Ville continues to tour the world promoting his music. He sings from the heart, songs of love, heartbreak and forgiveness- all part of any relationship. Ladies love him, but so do the guys who I'm sure consider him a mouthpiece. No doubt, there are nuff guys who've played "Yesterday" to their ladies or "Missing You" to mend a rift in their relationship. Check out his official site or MySpace page to keep up with his heavy tour schedule and updates on his career.
Mediator, love promoter, Big Bad Singer....Da'Ville you are officially Lime Certified!
Q&A
1. What is your full name?
2. Can you describe a memorable childhood moment?
3. What is your favorite video game and why?
4. What kind of tree best describes you?
5. Is there any misconception you've heard about yourself you want to clear up?
6. What makes a great girlfriend/wife in DaVilles world?
7. Who are your five favorite artists right now other than yourself?
8. What has been your greatest accomplishment musically?
9. Ever had a wierd fan moment?
10. If you could live in any place at any era where would you live and why?
Jah know star me is a man who loves to visit whole heap a places in the world but there is no place like home, its Jamaica for me all the way yu zi me?
Go with your gut
12. Juice or tea?
13. Tokyo or Toronto
14. Knowledge or wisdom?
15. Boxers or briefs
Boxers straight, i have to keep di bwoy cool yu zeet.
Finish it...
16. My handwriting is good...as long as me can read it...it good.
17. I feel most relaxed when I am at home.
18. Condoms must be used at all times, not taking any chances.
19. I am passionate about my God, music, life and my wife.
20.Da'Ville a.k.a Mr Fashozy To di flipping world.
Check out his two latest releases for 2009 "Never Gonna Cry" and "Missing You"
Here's one of my favorite Da'Ville songs, produced by Don Corleone it'scalled "Party"
myspace.com/davillemusic1
davillemusic.com
This artist is truly amazing for reggae. I saw him perform and WOW. I wish him all the best. God bless.