Master T's History, Post MuchMusic
Hey Beautiful People, a popular catch phrase Master T used to identify and personalize his audience with on the Nations Music Station, Muchmusic. He realized very early on in his career that he wasn’t just staring down the black tunnel of a camera he was engaging audiences across the nation...creating, hosting and producing two iconic programs on Muchmusic, X-tendamix/Da Mix and later producing Rap City. It was important to not only introduce videos, but to impact the audience with his comedic, relaxed and easy going personality. As a decorated VJ he also hosted and interviewed some of the most popular artists in the world, including Madonna, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Snoop Dogg, Faith Evans, Eminem, Backstreet Boys, Spice Girls, Meat Loaf, Mariah Carey, John Travolta,Tu Pac and countless others.
Master T managed to have an outstanding 12 year on air career at Much and departed in 2001 with a Good Bye Blocko party that featured Lauryn Hill who personally came to perform and wish T a fond farewell. A host of artists, Canada’s music industry elite and T’s fans, delivered their personal goodbyes through video messages and live performances. That heart warming departure would only lead to more musical and TV productions through Fullstedd/Esor Productions, which was created by T and his wife, Paula in the late 90’s. Master T would also go on, leaving his musical mark through producing two CD compilations with EMI music Canada, Master T’s Reggae and Urban Vibes where he had the opportunity to nurture and produce Canadian Talent, with two additional tracks on both albums created by T’s Production Company.
In 2003, Much Master T, One Vj’s Journey was published by ECW press, written by Dalton Higgins, T and his wife, aka Roxy. The semi autobiographical book, takes a look into T’s personal life leaving Leeds, England and moving to Canada in the early days as well as sharing his experiences before, during and after, interviewing some of the biggest artists in the world. The book gave his fans some insight into a VJ’s life and it was a featured paperback throughout the TDSB, in school libraries across the GTA.
Master T’production company then went on to produce and direct international reggae star, Sean Paul’s, Duttyology DVD for EMI/Atlantic and VP records. The DVD was distributed world wide at the time, during the height of Sean Paul’s amazing career to great reviews. It was also around this time that people started to realize that Master T had really left Much. Always keeping a personal connection to his audience, the feedback on the streets was a constant questioning of... where was he now and especially...when and why did he leave? T, wasn’t aware of the impact he had left on the Nation shortly after his departure but it seemed as if things had amped up even more with fans and their desire to have him back on Muchmusic. All the same, he was now more focussed on creating properties as well as directing and producing than ever before.
Esor Productions Inc., continued on their unique brand of TV production by producing and directing two documentaries for Sun Tv., Jump Up Toronto. An Olympic Equestrian rider's first Caribana experience playing mas with the multi award winning mas camp, Carnival Nationz and Cricket, Stumps and Bowl... a documentary delving into the world of Cricket domestically and internationally.
A couple years later an intense desire to connect with his audience again found Master T and Esor producing a pilot project for City TV called Connexx with Master T. It was an urban, half hour program dedicated to the world of entertainment, lifestyle and community happenings in the GTA which was eventually posted on line and shared virally. Surprisingly shortly after Connex, an opportunity of a slightly different nature was bestowed on T, as it was an honour for him to be selected as one of the directors for the NFB’s GDP webisode series. This was the first time the NFB had ever produced an award winning internet project that took a serious look into the personal lives of Canadians dealing with the many challenges faced during a very difficult economic crisis. Master T had the pleasure of personally documenting the former beauty editor for Chatelaine magazine, Charmaine Gooden as she dealt with her economic and personal challenges after her tenure at the magazine.
Then it was back to school for Master T and his wife as they head off to Toronto’s Harbord Collegiate. Paula, created a musical project called School Life for the students involved in the new computer/media program at the school. They had the opportunity to produce a 4 song cd with original music and topics, selected by the students, surrounding youth issues. "A making of" DVD was also produced by the students, documenting the entire process as the kids received hands on direction and guidance from T and Paula. The Schoolife CD/DVD was also released at a LIVE concert put together by students in the computer class and the event garnered some positive media attention on Rogers and a couple of local papers.
Recognized as a key figure in Urban music for Canada, Master T was given the opportunity to achieve one of his many goals. This time Aux TV came calling after a concept submission from Esor Productions and T got the go ahead to deliver his first series since leaving much which would air on television, solely created by Esor. He was contracted to produce, direct and host his 6 episode urban music show called Break It Down, for Aux TV. Fans got to see interviews with Trey Songz, Wu Tang Clan’s Raekwon, Dres from Blacksheep, Das Efx, LA’s, DJ Moni, Aloe Blacc and many more underground and popular urban artists in a gritty, documentary style, magazine format. He also created an opportunity to bring forwards some new talent for the show and three young hosts were chosen to keep the show fresh, current and edgy.
Master T also worked with Feva TV to create a new series called Sooooo Special, interviewing the road warriors of entertainment world that have continued to perform internationally after having major success in the industry during the 60's, 70's and 80's. Artists such as Maxi Priest, The Dazz Band, Grand Master Flash, Marcia Griffiths, The Commodores, Sean Paul and The Whispers to name a few. In recent years T and Roxy have continued to create and produce various projects while keeping their focus on education and entertainment as they ever so passionately endeavour to bring the music to the people in this ever-changing technological landscape.
A year later, T became the Director of media Production for RX Music, a music consultancy agency that helps create captivating guest experiences for retail stores, bars, restaurants, spas and other experiential spaces. He is also proud to have created, hosted and producied their on line series, RX Music LIVE. Master T pulled back the curtain and brought a fresh perspective on the life, times, struggles and stories behind some of today's brightest stars. Artist such as Bebe Rexha, Neon Dreams, Kardinal Official, Vance Joy, Talib Kweli, Maestro, Little Dragon, Sean Paul, Clean Bandit, Lee Fields, Shaggy and many more.
Currently, he is the host producer and director for Esor Productions, providing online condent and creating properties for the brand he has helped establish with his wife over the years.