Vanzo

Born in Sligoville — the first village of freed slaves in Jamaica and cradle of Rastafarianism — Devano McLean aka Vanzo grew up in Spanish Town, birthplace of Grace Jones. Raised on his father's piano melodies and his mother's gospel songs, he naturally picked up his first chords by ear, writing his first lyrics and riddims as a teenager. The turning point came in 2017 when Vanzo reached the final of the Magnum Kings & Queens of Dancehall, Jamaica's biggest televised talent competition, earning the endorsement of Bounty Killer. The first hits quickly followed: tracks produced by Arif Cooper (son of Third World's Ibo Cooper) were broadcast on radio and celebrated across dancehalls. Music videos like Alright blew up on YouTube, and Vanzo headlined major Jamaican festivals — Rebel Salute, Reggae Sumfest — alongside Buju Banton and Chronixx. His influences — Vybz Kartel, Tenor Saw, R&B, hip-hop and jazz — forged a unique "Future Roots" sound carried by a crystal-clear voice and swaying flow. After a self-titled debut album in 2023 (Baco Music) and appearances on European stages (Reggae Sun Ska, No Logo, Dour Festival), Vanzo released "Fueled by Passion" on February 20, 2026 (Evidence Music), produced by Greatest Trees. This 12-track album features collaborations with Queen Omega and Lidiop, blending dancehall, new roots and contemporary R&B. Available on all platforms and vinyl.