20 years of hits - Aidonia celebrates two decades in music

Dancehall heavyweight Aidonia was overcome with emotion on Saturday night as hundreds of loyal fans filled the UBS Arena in New York in a powerful outpouring of love that far surpassed his wildest expectations.

The concert was one of the marquee events being staged to observe the Bruki hitmaker's two-decade journey in music. The artiste, whose given name is Sheldon Lawrence, said he was blown away by the show of support from fans who packed the arena on Saturday.

"It was bigger, it was definitely bigger, and dat brought tears to my eyes fi know seh di people dem definitely came out, and it was a great feeling and great look for brand Aidonia," he told THE STAR.

The anniversary concert boasted a powerhouse line-up of dancehall and reggae giants, including Shenseea, Mavado, Baby Cham, Govana, Jada Kingdom, Sizzla, and of course, Aidonia himself. The arena pulsed with excitement as each artiste delivered electrifying performances.

Aidonia expressed how meaningful it was to share the moment with his musical peers and loyal fans.

"It was definitely great - the fans made it everything, New York definitely turned out and dat show di love and respect di people dem have fi Aidonia and just dancehall music," said.

Equally meaningful to Aidonia was the fact that some of his close friends and fellow entertainers were part of the moment.

"It was definitely a great vibe, it was definitely perfect," he said.

"Fi get di support from other artistes in the dancehall, it definitely was a great feeling." Aidonia shared.

His brother and manager, Lalo Lawrence, has helped him weather industry storms, personal battles, and fierce competition.

"It's an overwhelming feeling watching him grow into the man/entertainer he has become. And then to see it reach 20 years, I always tell him not to take it for granted because a lot of artiste came before him and even after him and they aren't around any more. So just take it as a blessing," Lalo told THE STAR.

A talented lyricist, Aidonia shot to fame in the early 2000s with hits such as Lolly and Chicken Head and quickly built and maintained a reputation as a hitmaker. He told THE STAR that remaining consistent over the two decades has not been easy, and credited his longevity to hard and smart work. He said that there are times when he felt like unplugging the mic.

"[I've been there] a few times because, you know music on a whole is competitive and to be creating hits over 20 years, it nuh easy. It takes a lot from you mentally, physically, emotionally," he revealed.

Yet, his passion for music and faith have kept him going.

"I'm a lover of music, I don't see this as a job; and mi put God first inna everything mi do. Him guide me pon some a di roughest obstacles dem, and fight some addi roughest battles dem over di years," he said.

He credits not only hard and smart work for his longevity, but also a careful formula for his staying power.

"It's the melody and formula and saying the right things in the song," he explained, adding that legends like Bounty Killer, Shabba Ranks, Buju Banton and Bob Marley heavily influenced his sound and approach to music.

Looking ahead, Aidonia is preparing to release what he describes as a "solid Grammy-type album" to further elevate his career. The Jamaican leg of his 20th anniversary concert is set for May 10, 2025, at Sabina Park in Kingston. It will feature an all-star line-up that includes Bounty Killer, Skeng, Ding Dong and Capleton.