The Right Farenheit in Jamaica

He was named ‘Fahrenheit’ by DJ Don Flash, and sure enough he seems to always be at the right temperature, tempo and all that. Terrence Harold, of Jamaican soil is also known as “Farenizzi”, employs his many talents in exposing Jamaica, its people, culture and skills to the world.

An artist-at-large, he is an international ambassador of the arts and Jamaica ‘s culture, as through whichever form he chooses – painting, graphic design, silky smooth vocals, music, acting, producing as starters he never ceases to express all that’s Jamaican. The prolific artist is equally skilled as musician, singer, actor and graphic designer, unknown to many.

Born in Kingston, Harold has always loved the arts, and his humilty and tempered personality reflects the outcome of one who is intimatelyconnected to many forms. “As a child, I loved Caribbean music” Harold recalls. He always appreciated the work of master painter Barrington Watson.

Terrence ‘Fahrenheit’ Harold Born in the 70s, to a mother from Portland, and a Saint Vincentian father, Harold was raised in Kingston. This resulting combination of culture provided much influence on his career already being formed during his youth.

Growing up he listened to music such as Jesus Christ, the superstar, Toots, Dennis Brown. At the same time his visual palette was being influenced by influences of Barrington Watson. In addition he had an interest in music/dance while a part of a breakdancer group with the Savage crew at Wolmers High. Back then the Savage crew belonged to the music school which was beside the art school.

Later he studied graphic design at the Edna Manley College, then Jamaica School of Art. In addition to exploring sculpture and painting, he received vocal training from the Cuban teacher, Gorgia Guerra. Guerra has been living in Jamaica for over 20 years and has trained artistes including Baby Cham, Alaine, Swade, Christopher Martin, Brian and Tony Gold.

The major contributors to his development, though has been his parents, who exposed him to a wide array of music to listen including Latin, rock, reggae. Although owning good social skills and ‘connections,’ life as the multifaceted artiste that he is began with a struggle, after Edna Manley College, simply, because of his fusing hard core dancehall with other music forms.

Now successful in the combined visual and performing arts, exemplary to many others, he says passion is what accounts for his success mostly. Balancing participation in visual, literary and performing is not difficult for the artist who uses both left and right sides of his brain. Not to mention those vocals that plays seductive tunes on your inner being like a piano. He encourages artists to remain committed, considering his own challenges faced on his way to the top. He remembers for example the many applications he submitted to theatre. Harold’s first theatrical stints were ‘Redemption’ and ‘Against his Will’ by David Herron. He’s also done Dirty Diana at Centrestage.

Later, he moved into television, securing a role in Royal Palm Estate (Produced by Mediamixx 2003-2004). His international roles extended to Almost Heaven (german film-ed howzing). Interestingly, Terrence was a Kymani stunt. He doubled in One Love, and co-starred in Goat Head (produced by Paul Bucknor). He has a role in the upcoming Better Mus Come, a Storm Saulter’s movie production will be out soon.

Cd cover by Fahrenheit His training in graphics is balanced with his music as he designs all his CD covers, and for a few other artistes. His jobs include logos for example Brand New Machine (his latest project), Lottery Company 2003, Markham Betting 2000.

A few CDs designed by him are Fringe to Fore 1999, Port Antonio Virgin 2007, and upcoming Red Cup College scheduled for release in 2010. Music is perhaps where he is best successful, or popularly known as a rock/reggae musician and singer.

His first song was recorded by Dr Paul of Ruff Cut crew, from the Shabba Ranks band. Of the songs he has produced for himself are Looga Man, Kid Kurup, Jovi Rockwell. He has also been featured in some of internationally acclaimed singer Sean Paul’s music such as Bubble, a created ringtone for mobile phones.

Harold sees the combined arts as being crucial to society’s development. He opines that “as a nation we need to support the art form in schools”. The passionate artiste blames the lack of music classes or sessions in high schools, as a major problem.

Harold’s latest project is Brand New Machine, which started last year December. Brand New Machine co-hosted with Steve Wilson every Wednesday presents a different theme to the patrons at Fiction Lounge. Fashionista exposes local designers; Papparatzi birthday celebrationz for celebrities; Red cups+lollypops is for spirrrpy party frenzy. Then there are exhibitions for exposing local visual artists including painters, and photographers and literary writers.

To the youth Harold’s advice is “Stay focused; be true to your art form and remain passionate: Dont get disgruntled when broke… some things will give if you are real with the thing.”