Unknown Gringo

This reggae and dancehall recording artiste may go by the name Unknown Gringo, but he is no 'foreigner' to the platform that is Jamaica's rich and captivating culture of music as his name would suggest. The term 'Gringo', which is not widely known or used in dancehall circles, is a Latin American term that refers to a person who is a foreigner or a person who doesn't speak Spanish. Born Frantz Morris and raised in Flankers, St. James, Unknown Gringo, learned how to use the vibrant historical backdrop of the Montego Bay-community to create a unique yet truly authentic sound. The artiste praises music as an escape from the harshness of life while growing up in the volatile area. He shares, "Growing up, music was my escape from violence, and my stories are told through my songs."

Before finding a suitable name to market himself as a creative lyrical narrator, the artiste touched several musical bases including the sanctified run of recording gospel music. Admittedly, Frantz spent the more significant part of his life in the church, which added the fire to congeal a passion for music. He sang on the choir and later on released a gospel track under the name Francheeno.

The artiste explored the field of producers from St. James to Trelawny where he lived and the decision to pursue music as a profession became a direct, yet a not so clear path. According to Frantz, breaking into the music industry was not as simple as a bat and ball game as the industry is very competitive.