Abdi

Abdi Thomas, born in City of Roseau on the island Dominica has a story to tell. Growing up in an island paradise is sometimes no paradise. Through the trials and tribulations of it all, he has managed to keep his eyes on the prize; his music. The simple fact that Abdi’s father gave him his middle name "Nesta" in tribute to the great Bob "Nesta" Marley is clear evidence that Abdi is marked by destiny. Singing and writing since the age of 14, with a rare high pitched soothing vocal tone, Abdi’s life long struggles have finally paid off and he is ready to give the world what it has been waiting for; talent, style, finesse and heart felt emotion. As a child Abdi grew accustomed to many styles of music from rock to pop, old school and reggae to dancehall, he with fondness watched as his father brought home records from around the world for Abdi to listen to. Soon he developed his own ear for music and now draws influences from Jamaican artist such as Sizzla, Wayne Wonder, Sanchez and Ghost. Though a great fan of reggae music, when Abdi began to see artists like Busta Rhymes, Crucial Conflict and Kris Kross on television in the mid 90’s he saw the harsh reflections of the life that he lived everyday in Dominica in these artists. Soon he decided that he had to take his destiny into his own hand because his parents just didn’t have the money to give him the things he needed. From his bedroom he bought and sold the clothing that he saw his favorite rappers wearing. The profits began to pile up and he used the money to release 500 copies of his demo tape. The low-budget album he created with his friend and island super star DJ, Alfy set Dominica on fire. Abdi’s father of course believed in his son and helped him drive around the island selling the music he created. Abdi’s parents soon realized that they needed a better opportunity To make a life for their family. So his parents moved everyone to the America. Of course It wasn’t long before DJ’s and producers were requesting access to Abdi’s unique, but still yet to be trained voice. With the hardships of Dominica behind him and the opportunities of first class education ahead of him. Abdi harnessed his chances in this new world into a future. Abdi’s grind took on a new face as he hired a voice trainer, a studio engineer and producers. On top of that he enrolled in college and has maintained a 3.5 GPA amongst the constant rehearsals, songwriting and performance. Cult following soon followed with his underground hit "Nuh Fassy" on DJ Trends’ "Welcome To The Dancehall 2" mixtape, and in the fall of 2007 with the help of his producer and studio engineer Stephen "Skeek" Cumberbatch, Abdi released his EP "The I Never Left Project Vol. 1". The EP features many shades of Abdi’s musical personalities in the form of R&B, Pop and Dancehall. In true Abdi Thomas fashion, the reception to the album has been tremedous and has lead to a spring touring schedule that includes a number of shows featuring platinum superstars such as Mario and Omarion. Editor, David "DJ Trends" Hall For Aces Full Entertainment