Hardcore and innovative aptly describe the persona of this Artiste. When scanning through radio stations it is impossible not to hear his songs. The ladies adore him and men give high ratings to his lyrical flow Aidonia aka lyrical king.
Born Sheldon Lawrence in 1981, he is the second of four children for his mother a teacher and his father an ex-soldier. His close knit family instilled in him his morals and values and from his friends he gained street knowledge. He attended Mona Heights Primary then moved on to Meadowbrook High School where his love for music began.
After watching a tape of Sting 1993 with the infamous clash between Beenie Man and his icon Bounty Killer his mind was set on becoming a deejay. When he returned to school after that Christmas break he began reenacting the clash for schoolmates and friends who immediately recognized his talent. Soon after he began writing his own lyrics and formed the J.A.G 1 (Jah A Guide, his motto) crew with friends. Jag 1 or J.O.P (Jag One Productions) were often referred to when performing at school concerts and fetes.
In 1997 when his high school education ended after fifth form he left the island to join his father and brother in New York (N.Y). For several years he was back and forth between Jamaica and N.Y. Aidonias mind was still set on music so whilst in N.Y he did several amateur performances. In 2002 he decided that the only way he could focus on a career in music was to return home.
After a couple of months back in Jamaica he met Mr. G (then known as Goofy) and shortly after recorded his first single Many a Dem in October 2003. Shortly after he began working with Rod Pinnock of Orizen Entertainment. In early 2004 he became a popular performer at a weekly event called Battle Thursdays where he got some recognition and also had an opportunity to work on his performance skills. Aidonia credits Mr. Pinnock for introducing him to the business aspect of the music industry by giving him the Business of Music book to read. This taught him a vital lesson that music is not only about recording and performing but that it is also a business so every artiste must be mindful of this aspect of his career.
In the latter part of 2004 he was approached by Cordell Skatta Burrell who invited him to record at his studio. He later became associated with Gangbang Entertainment and throughout this period worked with Skatta and other producers. Several popular songs such as Prayer, Inna Di Ghetto, Eagle, and his chart making hit Lolly were recorded.
His recent singles include Chickenhead on the Galore riddim (currently ..24 on the Ritchie B Countdown );Bookam on the Billbak riddim, Reload on Redbull & Guinness and Kingfish & Unknown Assailant on the Stick- Up riddim . He fulfilled one of his goals of working with Bounti Killa when he recorded Sen fi dem. on the 12-Gauge riddim. One of his current singles Ooku has controversially been pulled from the airwaves allegedly pending investigation by the Broadcasting Commission
Aidonia has performed throughout the island at popular shows at UWI and UTECH, Taylor Halls Spectrum, Eclipse Pool Party, Lady Saws Birthday Bash, Champions In Action, Spring break in Negril, and Sting 2K5 to name a few. Though a newcomer, he is a confirmed act at Reggae Sunsplash and Sumfest that will both take place later this summer.
There are no limitations on where he plans to take his career. Aidonia plans to develop himself as an artiste and keep putting in hard work in order to reap the benefits. He would like to work with producers such as Dave Kelly, Steelie & Clevie and Sly & Robbie and other dancehall artistes such as Shabba Ranks, Sizzla, Baby Cham, Vybz Kartel and Buju Banton, In the next five years he hopes to produce an internationally acclaimed album.
I want to take dancehall music to the level that Bob Marley took reggae says Aidonia.
Bookings: 876-475-8699 or 876-452-9061 | 
Music Video: Aidonia - March Out
