Merchant

Born Ricardo Renford Nicholson, Merchant grew up in Manchester, Jamaica. At the age of 15, he moved to the coastal city of Portmore, Saint Catherine in southern Jamaica, where he furthered his schooling at the Waterford Comprehensive High School. He started singing at school concerts. During lunch breaks, he and his peers would beat rhythms on the desk and carry out deejay battles with each other.

While living in Portmore, he encountered the musical influence and mentorships of artists such as “Mad Cobra,” “Frisco Kid,” “Singer J and Indica.” In 2005, he was encouraged by Indica to enter the B-mobile Portmore talent search, where he placed second to Gyptian (who is known worldwide for hits such as “Hold Yuh," and "Serious Times). In that same year, Ricardo performed at his first major event “The West Kingston Jamboree” where world-class dancehall talents such as Vybz Kartel and Mavado were regulars. His debut at this event was a success and resulted in his becoming a recording artist.

In 2013, Merchant, went to war to prove himself. He released his first major single “Move Out Mi Tings.” The inspiration for this song was the existing conflict between himself and his baby’s mother. The video for the song exploded with overwhelming popularity and heavy rotation on CVM HD, Swag TV, TVJ and Hype TV, leading to multiple press features. Since then, he has collaborated with his uncle, Derrick Parker, on “Why Did You Have to Go Away,” and Little Kirk, on “Love a Bubble Up.”