Then, the doorbell rang and there was a big “Ooh! Ooh! Oooh!” Surprised, Timmy looked around and there was Santa Claus with a heavy bag on his back. Momentarily, he shoved his hand deep down and came up with a large white envelope.

Christmas is well gone, but we are still in the season, Timmy thought to himself. This must be my New Year’s Gift, he concluded as Santa repeated “Ooh! Ooh! Ooh!”

Timmy had good reason to be happy. He had only completed his Masters degree in Organizational, Effectiveness and Leadership. Now, it was another gift.

He quickly opened the envelope and clearly written was ‘WAKE UP EVERYBODY’ with NUMBER ONE affixed to it. Timmy jumped for joy. This was just what he had wanted to complete his double event.

Two weeks ago, ‘Wake Up Everybody’ went to number 2 on the Jamaica Music Countdown charts, compiled by veteran Richie B. Now, it was crowned Song of the Christmas season.

For Timmy Love, it was a long journey. “I am almost out of words, to say the least. Both myself and Big Mountain, who shared this success combination, had faith that ‘Wake Up Everybody’ would have made it to number one. We thought about covering the song, an original of Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes, and decided to add more authentic reggae seasoning to the dish.”

“We did our homework well and put in place an experienced PR team who could steer the song to victory.”

“It was like a mid-distance race, well-executed from start to finish. We got a quick start and maintained our presence. Then ‘Wake Up Everybody’ began to move around our opponents during the last lap.”

“We saved the best for the last as there were some strong contenders who vowed to take the crown.”

“Wake Up Everybody, like a strong weatherproof roof, stood the test of times and came home victorious.”

According to the US-based artiste, “My Masters Degree in Leadership will definitely give me that all-round edge to deal with people at all levels in society. It will also help in the mentorship of young entertainers who have drifted from the strong roots of reggae music.”

Timmy Love, born Timothy Lovelace, migrated to the US in his mid-twenties. He later formed Reflexx, a band that toured parts of Africa. He has released several songs, including ‘Time Of Your Life’, ‘Light Up Your Heart’ and ‘Buss Di Place’.

Timmy Love’s latest project is a remake of ‘Goodness Of God’, a gospel song originally done by Cece Winan, to be released on Thursday, January 4, 2024.

“I have always been using spiritual motivation as my password on my computer at work, the most recent being, I love you Lord, which is the first line of the song ‘Goodness Of God’.”

(Photo contributed by Timmy Love)