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Wayne Wonder
Biography
Dancehall and reggae provided a foundation for Jamaica-born singer Wayne Wonder (born Von Wayne Charles). But his later albums -- Schizophrenic and Da Vibe -- veered further and further toward hip-hop and rap. His collaborations include work with J'son from Soul for Real, Foxy Brown, and Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes from TLC. This has resulted in even greater success for Wonder. Five tunes from Da Vibe were in rotation by commercial radio stations throughout the Caribbean.

Born in Franklin Town, a small village near Rae Town in eastern Jamaica, Wonder has been singing most of his life. His mother sang with the choir at the Galilee Gospel Church. Writing his first songs at the age of 13, Wonder launched his career when he accepted an invitation to perform every Wednesday night at Metro Media in Allman Town. Although he impressed Sly Dunbar during an audition at Sonic Sounds, Dunbar's commitment to touring with Black Uhuru prevented him from signing the young singer.

The turning point in Wonder's career came when he met influential producer and record company owner King Tubby. Under Tubby's direction, he recorded his first single, "Long and Lasting Love," in 1985.
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