REGGAE singer Sanchez has not appeared on a Jamaican stage in recent times. The reason, he said, is that he has embarked on a different musical journey.

"I'm a full-time producer now," Sanchez told the Sunday Observer.

Sanchez, whose real name is Kevin Jackson, said his producing projects have led him to cross paths with American-based Jamaican Rodnie 'Tenor' Lyon.

"He is a brilliant kid, so it's a blessing," said Sanchez.

The singer, who rose to prominence in 1988 with his cover of Jermaine Jackson's Lonely Won't Leave Me Alone, said he has also done work with Chiney K Productions. That effort has produced the single Nuh Kotch, with him on vocals.

"It is now getting good rotation. It has a real nice dancehall vibes," he said. "Everyone can relate to it. It's crazy."

The singer said he is currently working on two albums. The first, Nuh Kotch, has already been completed with five tracks. The second is a gospel set, which is yet to be titled.

Sanchez said he has some upcoming international engagements in Canada, Europe, the United States and the Caribbean.

"I love singing and that's the way I started out," said the man who began recording in 1987 when he released Lady In Red.

— Cecelia Campbell-Livingston