Fidel Lawrence has always been entranced by the works of noted Jamaican music producers, from the legendary Clement 'Sir Coxsone' Dodd of Studio One to Bobby Digital and John John of the contemporary era. He has also drawn inspiration from the inimitable Sly & Robbie, King Jammy's and Steelie & Clevie.

Fidel Lawrence, aka NKOMA

Lawrence, who hails from one of Kingston's toughest inner-city communities, nurtured his love for the music business. His father, Dorell, once performed with a rocksteady group called The Octaves, but has since retired from the performing industry, spending his time as a sound system operator, music consultant and voracious music collector.

Though now temporarily located in Florida, NKOMA remains strongly rooted in the Jamaican music culture.

The 26-year-old expatriate Jamaican has, in fact, resolved to chart his own course to musical renown. His stage name, NKOMA (New Kind Of Music Around), has also been stamped on his music enterprise, encompassing record production and distribution as well as artiste management, with bases in Kingston and Florida.

Already, his First Priority rhythm track is reportedly creating a storm and the versatile artiste is represented via the tracks, Got That and Garrison.

"NKOMA Music will go a far way towards opening doors for many artistes in Jamaica and elsewhere, taking them to heights they have never been before," Lawrence says. He adds that his special feel for good music and creative energy, coupled with strict business principles, will steer him to success. "I see us going international and signing big acts. We are here to make the sacrifice by working hard," he says.

Lawrence's first record was the 2000 NKOMA production entitled Rumours Of War, which had on the flip side, Mr Gunnerman Son, by NKOMA Music artiste, Kekeh Flint.
On the performing side, he has shared the stage, at various times, with the likes of Capleton, Powerman, Ricky General and the Scare Dem Crew.

The element which he says sets him apart from other producers, is that he seeks to seamlessly merge old and new sounds to create something fresh. "I am a keen fan of the old rhythms and old sounds and that helps me to be more creative," he says.

His remix rhythm, War (based on the Bob Marley classic), has attracted the likes of Paul Elliott, Determine, Jah Mason, Anthony B, Norris Man, Chrisinti and others.