"It felt like a part of me died with her. Her sudden death affected me in a way that I couldn’t concentrate on my school work. My life felt empty and the only thing that could fill that space was music. Music brought back the joy in my life and my love for it became stronger," says Angele.

Angele Smith started singing in church at the tender age of four but his love for music was developed at Godfrey Stewart High School, in Savanna-la-Mar, where Angele was guided by one Miss Anderson. His singing talent was discovered by his schoolmates while he was singing by himself in an empty classroom. From then on, he performed regularly at school concerts, and has won medals at the annual Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's festival of arts as the lead singer for a group called A2O.

The group had limited success with the 2006 release of their 'Take You There' song and music video and eventually buckled under the pressures of the rigorous and unforgiving music industry and soon Angele Smith had no other choice but to move forward as a solo act as the other members sought other avenues of making a living. His other interests in visual arts and acting did not distract him either, because singing is forever etched in his mind. In 2009, upon the encouragement of friends and relatives, he entered Digicel Rising Stars. He wooed the judges at the audition and was thus introduced to the national television. He was selected for the live show and quickly became popular with voters.

The disappointment of his sixth-place finish did not deter the self-described humble, peaceful, forgiving, hardworking youngster. He went back to the drawing board, putting in hours of vocal and performance rehearsals, while continuing to make appearances at schools, corporate events and stage shows. In less than a year, he is now well on his way to realizing his life-long dream.

"Words can't describe how I feel, but I will try ... I feel good to know that I come this far, knowing where I am coming from, having nothing ... When I listen back, I say it really sounds good and I am proud of myself," Angele says about his latest achievement. He is now working assiduously to step up the tempo of his career, and wants his supporters to expect much more from him.

Some of the producers that Angele Smith has had the pleasure of working with are Donovan Germaine, Mikey Bennett, Steven Ventura, Stephen Stewart, 'Computer' Paul and, of course, Christopher Birch but looks forward to working with several others. Some of his musical influences include Michael Jackson, Brian McKnight, Whitney Houston, Boyz 2 Men, James Brown and Bob Marley.

Angele Smith is bubbling with anxiety to share his unique delivery style and 'alternative' blend of reggae, R&B, soul and dancehall after several years of honing his craft. The singer, songwriter, musician and performer hopes to expand his act from the local scene to the international stage. Time will tell.