NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Leon Hepburn, a 27-year-old Bahamian musician and YouTuber, has gained stardom by creating charming response singing videos.
In an interview with Eyewitness News, Hepburn said he grew up in a house full of singers where music became an outlet and power when hard times struck.
With thousands and thousands of views on YouTube and over 140,000 organic subscribers generated previously six to seven months, the previous Melia bartender of three years said he never imagined having hundreds of individuals share and support his love for music.
With the recent closing of the resort for 2 years, Hepburn was disengaged and and not using a job.
But he said the unlucky event prompted him to follow his heart in music and his faith played a big role in him taking the leap to create content on the video streaming platform.
“Currently, I’m and not using a job,” he said.
“But I feel that God brought me this far down this journey for a reason, like he was looking for me before I got the news.”
Amid the pandemic, Hepburn took advantage of the time home and mastered his craft, uploading and producing popular singing response videos frequently.
“YouTube has helped me loads by me just being myself and doing what I like,” he said with a smile.
“It’s been amazing, you realize.
“I began last yr July. I made the choice to begin a YouTube channel throughout the lockdown.
“One in every of my favorite YouTubers shouted out my first video.
“He’s the voice actor for Cleveland Brown from Family Guy.
“Yeah, he’s just like the new voice actor, so it was mind-blowing for me at that moment.
“And it was all of the motivation I needed to maintain posting.”
Hepburn said his channel, which has allowed him to succeed in a global audience, has been a rewarding experience.
He sang at Olympic gold medalist Shaunae Miller’s and Maicei Uibo’s wedding in February 2017.
He has also collaborated with world-renowned rapper and artist Harry Mack, who was featured on the Ellen show, and freestyled with Grammy award winner Kendrick Lamar.
For Hepburn, music is a lifestyle.
He said his journey of loving music began on the tender age of seven by starring in Christmas plays.
“I’d notice how people would react after I sing,” he said.
“They’d react otherwise.”
He continued: “Music has made a way for me. Growing up, it’s opened a number of doors for me to satisfy people I never would have imagined in one million years of meeting. So, yeah, it’s been awesome.”
Hepburn said he believes his channel has given him the liberty to precise himself and to indicate the world what he has to supply.
He said he hopes to encourage other aspiring singers to search out their voice.
Notwithstanding his international fan base, Hepburn said the support of his countrymen means the world to him.
“I just need to say to all my Bahamian brothers and sisters to return and show support,” he said.
“It’s awesome having support from all all over the world, however it’s even great when your personal kind would come and show support.”
When asked how he would describe his music, he responded: “Inspirational, motivational and inspiring.
“Growing up, you realize I at all times loved to encourage individuals with music like keeping a smile on their face and I at all times had a vision someday that I can be a positive role model for people across the globe, in The Bahamas.”
Asked what advice he would give other upcoming artists, the Bahamian artist advised them to actually deal with their craft and to proceed doing what they love.
Written by Eyewitness News Intern Jade Russell
