You have to focus on one thing. Whatever you do put God first. Have perseverance. You can't do five things at one time and expect that things will be the best. You haffi give thanks you know. Though things are going smooth and nice you still have to give thanks for life and thanks for health.

Tanto Metro
Long Beach, CA. July 2003.

Tanto Metro is that bonanza blazing DJ who started in Jamaica's Metromedia sound family around age 14. A senior member of the Shocking Vibes crew that includes his singing partner Devonte, and artists like Beenie Man, his versatility at mimicking any singer is a staple during one of the duos entertaining performances. Actually, so are their mega hits like "Everyone Falls in Love", "Give it to Her", and "Say Woee". We would have chatted forever with easy going Tanto Metro and even his partner Devonte were it not time for their performance at the Caribbean Sea Breeze Festival in LA. For now, enjoy this as they hit the San Francisco bay for the first time on Saturday November 1st, 2003 at the Avalon Ballroom.

Jouvay.com: Welcome to California. Is this the first time you're performing here (Los Angeles)?

Tanto Metro: No, we've been here before.

Jouvay.com: How you got started?

Tanto Metro: I was a DJ from about 1982.

Jouvay.com: 1982? At like 10? How did that start?

TM: Thirteen-fourteenish. Just from growing up in a house where music played and you get to love it. So you get encouraged by people.

J: Where in Jamaica are you from?

TM: Kingston.

J: You guys are on tour right now?

TM: No, we just come out for this show (Caribbean Sea Breeze Festival in LA, 2003) and we're heading back home tomorrow. Next week we perform in Japan and then come back for Sumfest in Jamaica.

J: You guys don't have a new CD out right now do you?

TM: The album is coming out soon. We've got a few more songs to do.

J: How did you get your name?

TM: Tanto is from that movie Tanto and Lone Ranger. You know that movie, bonanza thing. And the Metro is from Metromedia. That's a DJ sound in Jamaica that Peter Metro work on. That's where I make my name from.

J: And how you hooked up with Devonte?

TM: I'm a senior for Shocking Vibes production and Devonte come along by a friend. At the time it was me, Beenie Man, Little Kirk, Silver Cat, and Alley Cat on the same label, same company, same everything. Whenever a new artist comes, a senior member like me or Beenie Man or Kirk take dem and be on de streets wid dem. Beenie Man was all over with Silver Cat and me just take up Devonte as a friend. Just in the streets, show him the ropes.

J: You guys are all still on the same label (Shocking Vibes)?

TM: Yeah.

J: You work with any charities down in Jamaica?

TM: We do quite a bit for street kids. Out of love.

J: What's the reception like for you guys in Jamaica?

TM: Ow man, it's nice. We are huge. When we are out on the streets we can't stay in peace.

J: The new album, what kind of music is it?

TM: Straight dancehall.

J: Who's your main producer?

TM: Shocking Vibes, Patrick Roberts.

"Is a ruff cut sound. We gwine murder San Francisco whenever dem bloodclot ready. Say you got de wickedest dubplate from Tanto Metro and Devonte. Ruff it up and Give it to dem." (nearby supporter)

J: When are you all coming to San Francisco?

TM: Soon, whenever you all ready for us.

J: You must because it's hard. Many of the clubs and stuff are very much into the reggae vibe and they're not recognizing this dancehall crowd.

TM: Whenever you're ready just call 1-876-941-1408 or 1-876-941-1174 and ask for Patrick Roberts or get in touch with any one of us.

J: OK. What's your real name?

TM: Mark. Mark Wolfe.

J: I'll remember that. Is there anything you want people to know?

TM: You have to focus on one thing. Whatever you do put God first. Have perseverance. You can't do five things at one time and expect that things will be the best. You have to focus on one thing really.

J: You go to church?

TM: Yeah, Catholic. I been there up to two weeks ago. You haffi give thanks you know. Though things are going smooth and nice you still have to give thanks for life and thanks for health.

J: You ever go to the Jamaican carnival?

TM: Yeah, it's great.

J: I love you for that one. You have to link up with one of the soca artists one day.

TM: Yeah. we did a soca song. Me and Devonte do one. Just a single. It don't come out yet.

Well when it does we hope we get a listen. Though we caught up with Tanto Metro and Devonte in NY during labor day at Pork Knockers where they did a peformance, the party buzz was too high to remember our follow up with questions. Soon, we'll have a sit down with the duo and update this page. For questions or comments please contact Maya Trotz.

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