In 2013, Silly Walks Discotheque, a German production duo made up of Yoscha Hoffmann and Oliver Schrader, achieved great success with the “Honey Pot” rhythm, which also produced the Chronixx hit “Smile Jamaica.”
The duo then released another hit, Roman Virgo’s cover of Michael Bolton’s “Soul Provider.”
Singer Christopher Ellis is hoping for success with Lessons in Love, produced by Silly Walks Discoteque.
With a powerful message about timeless music, this soulful reggae anthem was born from Ellis’ own personal experiences.
“I consider my music a lot like that of artistes of old. Music that ages like wine, songs that never expire with the flavours of the seasons. This is my natural way of doing things and where my music lives,” Ellis said in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.
He continued, “The inspiration for this song came from a disagreement I had with my partner. It’s a real-life situation we all go through (even in the perfect relationship) where we get annoyed with each other at times, but in the end it’s all love.”
This is the first time he has worked with a German-based producer.
“Me and Yoscha linked up and he gave me two rhythms. When I played this rhythm it automatically jumped into my heart. The result is a lesson in love,” Ellis said.
The artist is the youngest son of the late rocksteady godfather Alton Ellis, who died of cancer in a London hospital in 2008.
He said he learned a lot from his father.
“My dad taught me a lot about music. He always told me to write songs. He taught me techniques to hit the high notes and things like that. I’m very grateful that he was there to teach me the specifics of music,” he said.
He told the Observer that his musical journey began when he first stepped on stage at the age of 11, performing with his father.
“The audience was screaming so loud – we call it a fawad now – and it was exciting. When they gave me that big fawad, I was hooked on the feeling of approval from the audience and that’s what I live for now! That’s why I love performing so much,” the native of Brixton, South London, said.
Besides Christopher, Ellis’ other sibling involved in music is Noel, aka Rosa Rose, who lives in Trench Town.
Christopher said he feels no pressure to continue his father’s musical legacy.
“I don’t feel pressured to follow in any tradition. I just love music and it’s what comes naturally to me. I don’t have to sing! I choose to sing,” he explained.
