André Jebbinson,Staff Reporter

Kevin 'Torch' Campbell - finalist in the JCDC Popular Song Contest. - Contributed

And his name shall be Torch. So said deejay Tony Rebel of Kevin Campbell of Trench Town, who is trying to set Jamaica afire musically. Campbell is an entrant in this year's Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) Popular Song contest.

He and Rebel's son shared the same stage name, Honey Cone, but Rebel thought Torch would have been a more appropriate name for Campbell.

"Him tell me I am here to blaze up Jamaica, so im give me di name," Torch said.

Torch, as a youngster, participated in almost every community event. During his years at Camperdown High he became involved in the performing arts and soon joined Cathi Levy's Little People and Teen Players Club.

Suddenly things started to go berserk when his mother died and he was forced to discontinue school because of financial difficulties. It was then he decided to get a job. Torch was not comfortable with his job, as this was not his "true calling". He decided it was time to make a change in his profession and became a studio engineer at Black Roots Productions.

Good chance of winning

He linked with producer Claude 'Big Stone' Sinclair while he was still under the stage name Honey Cone. Torch did a few singles and a music video for the single On and On. The stage is not new to Torch, now that he is in the JCDC competition. He has performed at Bob Marley's 57th birthday celebration, Courtney Melody Meets Pinchers at the Asylum Nightclub, Links Pon Di Beach and a few other events.

"Long time me doing this and I am always going to be doing it. I am here to stay, it haffi gwaan after JCDC," he said.

Although he has a good chance of winning the competition, it was never his plan to enter. But now his heart and mind are in it full force.

"A my friend wanted to enter and him find out seh it too late and him neva have a tune. He came to me with the forms and I had a tune, suh mi do it." Torch said. "I want to embrace the crowd, so my fans can get to see me and accept me."

Torch hopes that through music he can create a change and be a positive influence in the lives of both the young and old. His single in the competition is Learn To Survive. He said it serves as an encouragement to those who are going through difficult situations.

"It telling you not to let you problems get you down. From you nah give up and always a try, you mus mek it in life. It is pretty muchmy experience," he said.

The sky is the limit for Torch, as he will continue to do his best, producing clean and positive music.