‘Keep going Gevanni’
Jimmy Cliff commends The Voice UK finalist Hutton
One of reggae’s most celebrated legends, Jimmy Cliff, is congratulating Gevanni Hutton on his recent performance in The Voice UK.
The I Can See Clearly Now singer said the 18-year-old did well and offered advice that he could use in forging a successful career in music.
“He must be confident with himself that he has it right, whatever song he performs and make sure he does it right,” Jimmy Cliff told THE STAR.
The Rock And Roll Hall of Fame inductee was impressed by the way Hutton performed his 1969 hit single Many Rivers To Cross,
to which he said, “Bravo! Keep going Gevanni”. He continued: “He has a great voice. I watched the video of him in the semi-finals (so) from that I can say he has it right and I appreciate the way he performed the song his way”.
At 18, Jimmy Cliff was already a star in Jamaica, writing and recording his own music, but notes that everyone has a different path. “I can only encourage him to continue to be himself,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hutton is dedicating some time to rest and relaxation following the nerveracking finals last Saturday.
“I am very happy and pleased to have been a part of this competition and to reach as far as I did. Many have wanted this opportunity and could not get it, so it is one of my biggest achievements, and one thing I would like to say is don’t underestimate anyone,” Hutton told THE STAR. “I always saw each of the contestants as competition.”
INSPIRATION
He says that he will continue to wave the Jamaican flag high as he follows in the footsteps of entertainers like Sizzla, Toots and the Maytals, Bob Marley, Barrington Levy, Garnett Silk, I Wayne and Jimmy Cliff, all of whom he names as inspiration and influencers in his wanting to make music.
Hutton did a solo performance of Carole King’s You’ve Got a Friend and was joined by his coach, pop star Will.I.Am in a duet of Bob Marley’s No Woman’s No Cry for the finals.
“Will is so creative, very smart and also very down to earth. I have benefited from his knowledge of music,” he said. “The Voice UK was a great platform to launch from, especially because I learnt so (many) valuable lessons that will be both applicable in music and life. I also met the most amazing human beings.”
Another 18-year old, Blessing Chitapa, won the competition. Meanwhile, the blind auditions for next year’s series have started.