Meshach Nestor’s name is once again making waves in the Caribbean and among the diaspora. With three newly released singles, - Baby I Love You, Night Life, and Work it Out, his signature reggae sound—rich in soul, depth, and positive vibrations—is capturing hearts far and wide. But as his music reaches new heights, it is important to remind the public of where it all began.
Choiseul Roots:
The Making of a Musician
Born in La Fargue,
Choiseul, Meshach’s journey into music was as organic as the lush hills of his
hometown. He grew up in a household where music was more than just
entertainment—it was a way of life. His father, Francis, aka Chappy, was a master guitarist
who could compose songs on the spot, and his mother, Raymonise, played the
chakchak and sang in a band. It was no surprise that Meshach and his two
brothers, Niger and Ronald, would follow suit.
From childhood,
Meshach was already composing his own melodies—whether singing on errands or
experimenting with makeshift instruments made from milk can lids and fishing
lines. Choiseul’s vibrant cultural scene further fueled his passion, with
community events and “blockos” providing a steady rhythm to his early years.
A Dream Delayed,
A Calling Realized
Despite his musical
passion, Meshach’s life took unexpected turns. After his brother Ronald’s
untimely passing, the family—and the music—suffered a deep loss. Niger moved to
Castries to join LapoKabwit, while Meshach remained in Choiseul, later teaming
up with his friend Sabby to form the band San Nou.
At 19, Meshach
attempted to join the police force but didn’t make the cut. Instead, he found
himself working in the hospitality industry, first at Couples Hotel and later
at Le Sport, where he developed his social skills and confidence. Despite
excelling in this field, the call of music never faded. When the Gulf War of
1991 impacted St. Lucia’s tourism industry and cost him his job, he returned to
Choiseul and took up farming—using the time to reconnect with his first love:
music.
Wevolusion: The
Rise of a Musical Force
It was during this
reflective period that Meshach wrote his first song, Gather Children,
followed by Hail. In 1999, he recorded them with producer Adam Gilmore,
and together with Niger, they formed the band Wevolusion in tribute to their
late brother Ronald’s dream of a musical revolution. Their music resonated
deeply, leading to performances across Martinique, Barbados, and Dominica.
In 2002, Meshach
released his debut album, Awake, featuring conscious hits like Everlivin’,
New Dreams, and Burnin’. The album solidified his reputation as a
messenger of truth and positivity, pushing back against the tide of negative
influences in the music industry.
A Legacy of
Powerful Music
Since his debut,
Meshach has released a number of singles that continue to make an impact. Songs
such as World Peace, Stay Out of Trouble, Free up Your Body
and Save Your Soul, Police Officer, Babylon Burning, Do
Good, and No Retreat No Surrender all showcase his commitment to
social consciousness, unity, and positive change. His work has earned him a
feature on the compilation CD Blessed, produced by CRS Music in
Barbados.
In 2016, Meshach
released his second album, No Retreat, which featured some of his most
powerful tracks, including Stay Out of Trouble and World Peace.
The music videos for these songs can be viewed on YouTube. Continuing to evolve
as an artist, Meshach released a remix of World Peace in 2022, available
in both audio and video formats. Another standout hit, Mr. Greedy Joe,
from his Awake album, became a #1 hit and is also available for viewing
on YouTube.
A Voice for
Unity and Peace
Beyond the stage,
Meshach has dedicated himself to using his music as a force for social change.
His song Stay Out of Trouble speaks directly to the youth, urging them
to embrace peace and reject violence. His influence extends to schools, where
he shares messages of love, unity, and self-respect.
Despite the ups and
downs of the music industry, Meshach has never lost sight of his mission. His
performance at the 2015 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, alongside Beres
Hammond and Krosfyah, was a career highlight. However, the struggle for
resources and exposure remains a challenge. Yet, through it all, he remains
unwavering in his commitment to music, culture, and community.
The Journey
Continues…
With his latest
singles making an impact, Meshach is proving that his music still carries the
fire of revolution. But even as his voice reaches new audiences, he remains
rooted in Choiseul—the place that shaped him, inspired him, and continues to
fuel his artistic journey.
Meshach Nestor is
more than a musician; he is a cultural ambassador, a voice for the people, and
a proud son of the soil. His story reminds us that no matter how far we go, we
must never forget where we come from.
