Koptiq Sun ADD

Music has been the central theme in the life of experienced Jamaican reggae singer Koptiq Sun (formerly known as Geoffrey Star), the son of guitarist and bassist Bertram ‘Ranchie’ McLean who played in bands like Ja-Man Allstars, Skin, Flesh & Bones, and The Revolutionaries.

A formal introduction to singer, songwriter, musician, and producer Michael Johnson aka Mikey Spice gave him the opportunity to record songs like I Don’t Know, Soulless Soldier, Jah Jah Love, and I’ve Got Heaven on the Ingredience label using the alias Rich Kid. These songs showcased his melodious sound and attest to his writing ability, while his versatility, also under the alias Rich Kid, was exemplified by his combination with Shabba Ranks in Man Pon Consignment Remix (1996) and Jahmel in Masterbuilder (1998). He was chosen as a finalist in both the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s annual Festival song competition (JCDC) in 1998, and the Caribbean Music Expo (CME) 2002. After the CME, he toured Europe with The Mighty Diamonds, Wayne Wonder, Fred Locks, and Lady Saw. It was while on tour, that he met Aswad’s Brinsley Forde who became impressed with his vocal talent. As a result, he worked with Aswad and together they collaborated on a single entitled Are You Thinking What I’m Thinking.

Counting Bob Marley, Burning Spear, Dennis Brown, Beres Hammond, and Michael Jackson among his primary influences, along with a slew of R&B artists like Al Green, Marvin Gaye, The O’Jays, John Legend, and Ne-Yo, he has combined his creativity and inspirations into a sound all his own. This could be heard on his cuts for Don Corleon’s successful mid 2000s Drop Leaf and Seasons riddims like I’m Sorry and Picture Me And You. Fast forward to 2015, when he released his 14-track debut album entitled Unscripted on his own Jusdaha Productions imprint under his alias Geoffrey Star. That album featured the single I Don’t Understand, which was produced by Grammy Nominated producer/engineer Barry O’Hare. And then, the journey of a follow-up album began in July 2017.

In Koptiq Sun’s own words: “I was going through a major spiritual transformation from my previous life and artist career as Geoffrey Star, feeding on electric foods and in pursuit of getting in touch with my higher self. Melodies and words of wisdom bombarded my consciousness demanding actions from my artistic core. There was no escaping! Barry and I had a meeting discussing the kick off of the album and the rest is history…”. Five years after the project for a new album had started, RUNN Records released the collection of tunes titled Transformed.