In the 1990s Barbadian singer Wesu Wallace (seen in this Khalil Goodman image with band Nexcyx) survived early, ego-bruising trials in the Richard Stoute Teen Talent Contest, and a more successful stint on the local night-club circuit as a member of the now defunct band, "Crush". And during his five-year sojourn in the UK, he placed 32nd out of 21,000 contestants in the 2003 Pop Idol UK.

     Now having returned to Barbados to record his new album, the young crooner showcased his honey smooth vocals for fans and friends at the Pravda lounge in St Lawrence Gap on Friday, November 16, 2007.

Performing for the first time in Barbados in five years Wallace's voice has matured since his time away. Standing in front of an old school styled microphone Wallace truly thrilled visitors and locals alike with many original songs and quite a few covers.

Wesu, whose name means "ours" in English, was born in Zimbabwe and grew up in Barbados. Resident in the UK, he recently returned to the island to begin working on his album.

Wesu, who plays the guitar, bass guitar and keyboards, produced, arranged and recorded all of his new releases at the LabWorks studio in Christ Church. Two of the new singles, "Can't Let You Go" and "This Is My Party," were released November 6, 2007. Others will feature as part of Wesu's live performance at the Pravda Lounge on November 16, his first in Barbados since 2002.

     Backed by hot young band Nexcyc, Wallace delivered two sets comprised mostly of Neo-Soul tracks akin to the likes of Dwele and Maxwell. However, while the intimate space of Pravda lent itself well to the Soul sessions, Wallace told Showtime that his new 16-track album will "be highly eclectic, comprising singles in various genres, including Pop, R&B, and Commercial Soul."

     Calling Barbados the ideal testing ground for such work, Wesu said that he is looking forward to recording the rest of his music at  LabWorks studio in as well.

     Pravda with its laid back trendy décor was the ideal setting for the show, where fans and friends stood, sat or danced and interacted with Wallace. One major highlight was when Wallace had an "old school" jam session with Nexcyx inviting each band member to "riff" with him.

     The 7-member group Nexcyx, with lead singers Mahalia Phillips and Rochelle Griffith also rendered their original song "Fairy Dust."

Article and Photography by Khalil Goodman