A party ain't a party unless Renaissance a juggle. In recent years this sound system (or disco) has become a household name, popularised because of their versatility (playing tunes from Bounty Killer to Sonique) and good vibes. We realize that there is no venue too big or too small, too outta the way, or too 'risto-cratic' for Renaissance. My point is further confirmed when we interview Renaissance front man, Delano Thomas, at the Jamaica Pegasus. This is the only time we could get him to fit us into his hectic schedule, Delano has to catch a flight the next day, so there's not time to gaze! He's at the Pegasus because top man from UK's Channel 4 is throwing a Windies victory party and bon voyage of sorts for esteemed bowler Courtney Walsh. Like I said…these guys get requested to spin EVERYWHERE.

Making choices like these have made the name, Renaissance, famous from here to overseas. A graduate of Excelsior High, Delano tells us that Renaissance was formed in late 1989, out of his love for music. Influenced primarily by his father who was involved in the business ever since Delano was a likkle yout', it was second nature for him to gravitate towards the sound system business. Back then Renaissance were often booked to play at sweet sixteen parties, and became known as the "sweet sixteen sound" He, along with Michael Edwards, Avery Lynch, Devon Simms were the founding fathers of Renaissance. It's now the year 2G plus one, no longer limited to only sweet sixteen's, Delano and Renaissance have certainly made a name for themselves. You would never believe that this 5'6" guy is the driving force behind the sound system. Dressed casually in Sean John from head to toe, Delano is surprisingly humble, almost shy.

 

Delano: Yeah. . Because. I was getting into that kind of hype mode (at one point). But you have to deliver to stay in the hype mode. We try to create 'a vibes' where we'll always be around and create 'a vibes' for all kinda people.
W: You're very popular with the uptown crowd, how does that make you feel?
D: Well that's where I started so hopefully that's where the backbone and the foundation really is but we try to spread our wings to cover all areas (dance hall, etc.)
W: Which events do you prefer playing at, uptown or downtown? Where do you get more reaction or feedback from the crowd?
D: I don't have a particular event, because each event enables me to do different things. For example at a dance you can gyrate the crowd with dub plates and remixes, when you play at a 'real uptown' party you can get to just play tunes/music and show your versatility at either one of those venues. When I get a dance, I glad, when I get a 'party'- same thing. It keeps you thinking/moving; you're not stuck in one market.

Famous for his remixes, he pointed out that Stone Love played his first remix, which catapulted his career and Renaissance's status. He's most proud of the Nitro mix. We brought it to his attention that Bounty Killer even used to perform the song, Suspense - 'Delano remix -style' at concerts. He enthusiastically agrees saying, "Yeah 'dat did swell mi head still!"
Dem lef di worl inna…
Dem lef di worl inna…
Dem lef di worl inna…
Cho, cho ,cho, cho!
(Suspense remix hook)…TOUGH! (For y'all that don't know)

W: Many dubbed 'Delano's Revenge' 'Khaled's Attack' because he brought the house down. Did that affect you in any way? Were you impressed by his performance?
D: No it didn't affect me. He did pretty well. To me Matterhorn really kept the vibes going and came out on top. We (Renaissance) are basically the hosts at this event so we do our thing, get it over with and then invite the guests. If they invited me to play somewhere I would expect them to do the same. Khaled is a good mixer and he has vibes... I was the first one to bring him to Jamaica… At a party, "Clock Strikes" we gave out Khaled's tapes. So I have no qualms about him. I try to help everybody in the business…the more I help people the more work I get… That's how I look at it.

Delano doesn't want Renaissance to be considered a "clashing" sound. His M.O. is strictly niceness, juggling, and a party sound. We asked him about DJ Karim, formerly of Renaissance who is currently the reigning uptown "battle" selector. " Renaissance was holding (Karim) back. What I want to portray is different from what he wants to do. He was not getting the recognition he deserved… the best thing for him was to go out on his own."

There are currently plans to restructure the sound in an effort to get things more organized in terms of meeting all bookings, having all the right music for these dates, and crossing over (though not entirely) from vinyl to cd.