John Mckenzie who performs under the name I-Shenko was born in the city of Kingston, Jamaica on the 20th of May, 1984. He grew up in the parish of St. Catherine, Jamaica from Spanish Town to Portmore city and was brought up in some what a of a musical environment, hearing his mother humming melodies of her favorite songs and his elder sister singing at church, school concerts and weddings.
He too played a part in church and school choirs and enjoyed writing poems, songs and short stories.Growing up he always wanted to pursue a career in the medical field but all this changed when he recorded his first demo while in 9th grade at the St. Jago High School in Spanish Town when he was introduced to the Kingswell Recording Studio by a friend who had the same musical aspirations. Although not dismissing his education, which he believes is of utmost importance in everyone’s day to day living (young and old) he decided to pursue a career in music which disappointed many family members but had full support of his mom and sister his, who are his number one fans.
Apart from being a recording artiste this individual proves to be multi task oriented in the field of songwriting, producing and recording and mixing engineering working with labels such as Music Life Ent. Group, Sweat Boxx Music, Vybnation Records, Fresh Out The Box, Fresh Beats, Kallegna’s Production, Chiney K Productions and has worked on projects both recording and mixing for reggae artistes such as Turbulence, Sizzla, Lutan Fyah, Teflon, Perfect, Bounty Killer, Half Pint, Jimmy Riley, Eddie Fitzroy, Powerman, Droop Lion, Ginjah, Anthony Que and many more including young upcoming artistes.
He recorded his first single which was released in 2004, a song called HATE IN THEM which got a lot of recognition in the UK and Europe, later followed by singles such as MAKE ME FEEL THIS WAY, MAMA DON’T WORRY, I AM SO BLESSED, ENEMIES, FYAH TUN UP getting a lot a love and recognition both local and internationally. He has performed on shows such as:
PERFORMANCE TRACK RECORD
- FANTON MOJAH’S REGGAE IN THE VALLEY (2008 & 2009)
- COCOA TEA’S DANCEHALL JAM JAM (2008)
- CAMP FIRE (2008)
- I-WAYNE’S ANNUAL I-B-QUE (2009)
- 2 WEST LINKUP (2008,2009,2010)
- PLUG N PLAY LIVE (2011)
- TAURUS BASH(2012)
- HOMESTEAD JAMBOREE (2012)
- OCHI XPLOSION (2012)
- BOOM SINGJAY/DJ COMPETITION FINALS (2012)
- BRING BACK THE LOVE (2012)
- REGGAE RELEASE CHARITY TREAT (2013)
& MORE, and hopes to perform on international stages for his fans across the globe.
Currently I-Shenko has signed with Vijalantee Entertainment label and and is expecting to release his latest single TAKE ME OVER on the Tribulation Riddim produced by Garnett Bobby Pottinger and has released his latest collaboration in January, 2013 with reggae artiste Turbulence a track titled “Obeah Man” on the “Downtown Riddim” another Chiney K/Riddm Wise Production prior to signing.
Other of his latest releases includes “Say A Prayer” Nov, 2012 “Real Vybz” Dec, 2012 and the latest “Hey Girl” Jan, 2013, I-Shenko also has of his own a production label in the works and is working on his first riddim project featuring various artistes like Sizzla, Lutan Fyah, Half Pint, Teflon, Jah Vinchi, Perfect, Turbulence, Bryan Art, Magma as well as himself a riddim entitled ALL ACCESS set to be released on all major online stores by mid-2013.
I-Shenko music is his mission to reach out to all people despite racial, cultural, religious or ethnic backgrounds and hopes to satisfy his audience across the globe with the same substance as his icons Bob Marley, Jacob Miller, Terror Fabulous, Buju Banton, Garnet Silk, Sizzla and more who has contribute in the growth of reggae music both local and international.
