Staff Writer Nastasia Grant
There are some who are born great, some who have greatness thrust upon them, those who achieve greatness and those who continue to struggle for greatness.
He breaths music and dreams music, he states“It comes naturally”, and although it may sound like a cliché he indicated that “music chose him.” Rooby Man has been climbing the ladder to stardom for over a decade. He has graced the stage with international sensations such as Bobby Valentino, R. Kelly, Syleena Johnson, Bone Crusher and Trina.
Rooby Man has been a solo artiste for the last 3 years and has made a lot of strides. As a solo artiste he has recreated his look and his style, and has produced hit singles such as “Showtime” and a favorite of many “Millionaire”. Interviewing Rooby Man was nothing less than delightful, thus it wasn’t surprising that he described himself as delightful, humble and a focused artiste. In 2011 Rooby Man has 80 shows under his belt and has toured Europe and America. “Wow!!!” was the word used to describe sharing the same stage with one of his childhood musical idols, “someone I idolized as a little boy…to be on the same stage with him was like…wow”
He has coined the phrase “I’ve Arrived”, which he describes as a symbol of the progress he has made since he started his solo career only 3 years ago. “If you have goals you have achieved …you have arrived…if you are making things happen…you’ve arrived” and what makes him unique is “his style, his walk and his flow.”
Why Music…
Rooby Man speaks of music with such enthusiasm and passion. According to Rooby Man, “It didn’t just happen…It wasn’t a choice, its natural”. Inevitably, he sees music and his life as inseparable “I don’t see my life without music”, as music makes him happy along with his daughter, the joy of his life, with whom he enjoys spending most of his spare time. Musically inclined and also mentally stimulating Rooby Man is a goal-orientated person and is always planning for the future. He is laying a sound foundation, as he has finalized his education in accounting and has studied the music business tremendously.
Background
Rooby Man hails from the island of Haiti where his zeal for music started. Both his parents objected to him entering the music business, due to the stereotype of musicians being alcoholics and drug addicts that spent most of their time partying with girls and living a promiscuous lifestyle. However, his mother saw his talent and the work he was establishing. Hence, she began to encourage him in pursuing his musical career and even invited him to “sing the gospel” giving praise to God. With her blessings he continues to pursue his career.
Rooby Man was invited to join the band ‘King of Kings’ in Haiti and Sakad group in America, both groups with different sounds. ‘King of Kings’ a hip-hop/reggae band invited Rooby Man to join in 1996 which brought him popularity and a number of awards. Their unique musical mix soon catapulted Rooby Man’s career, as he became popular among the masses and ‘King of Kings’ became known as the best hip-hop/reggae band in the island especially during the carnival season. After departing the band he ventured to America, the land of opportunity, where he was introduced to a Haitian group called Sakad, which played ethnic Haitian music. Their partnership with Rooby Man did not last as Rooby man saw himself as a hip-hop/reggae artiste that didn’t just want to appeal to the Haitian populous locally but the International community, “I have a bigger dream.”
Like most groups, some members craved for their individual identity and 
career. Rooby Man always saw himself venturing on his own and it was not long before he made his debut performance as a solo artiste. He soon came in contact with producers who recognized his talent and his zeal for music. “I don’t want to be a local artiste; I want to be an international artiste”. Music for him is not just a career path he chose, he sees it as innate. His unique sound and his strong Haitian accent placed him apart from other artistes. “I don’t want to sound like R. Kelly, Beenie Man or Sean Paul” but he would love to work with them and would also love to share the stage with Jay-Z.
He has experienced musical success in terms of popularity, and one of the best experiences for him was performing for a large audience and having them accept him and love his music.Rooby man is still not complacent and is scheduled to perform at the annual Chicago Reggae Arts Award and has also been nominated in the category of best new artiste, to be held in Chicago in August 2012.
Looking to the Future
Rooby Man receiving a CMA Award
“I want to have my own ID…unique sound and style and establish my own clothing line…I want to be someone who inspires others to follow their dream…I want to help my people”, Rooby Man speaks passionately.
Rooby Man’s message to the youths is to “Keep positive, do right, stay focused, keep good energy around you, love yourself and understand that in life everything is not going to be 100%, focus on what you believe in”
Rooby Man is currently managed by StreetFame Music Group and is expected to release his new single “Punishment” with an upcoming album in the future.
With that said Rooby Man is a sure winner for the music industry internationally. His hard work and continuous development and dedication to his career is an example of what young people can achieve when their “eyes are on the prize…NO PAIN NO GAIN”… “I’ve arrived”…
Check out Rooby Man on youtube and visit his page at http://www.roobyman.com
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