Shayar (Lenval Jarrett) was born in Ocho Rios, St. Ann Parish, Jamaica in 1956. He had a natural inclination towards music and his bass-playing father was one of his greatest influences. Shayar began piano lessons in primary school. At age 12, Shayar convinced his father to buy him a guitar. He soon knew music would be his career. In high school, Shayar played in a band that worked the hotel circuit along the north coast of Ocho Rios.

When Shayar was 19, the famous Jamaican producer Jack Ruby introduced him to Reggae Superstar and Grammy-winner Burning Spear. Over ensuing decades, Shayar has played guitar for Burning Spear on international tours and has also toured with Anthony B, the Itals and Gregory Isaacs. He's played studio sessions with the Mighty Diamonds, Freddie McGregor, Leroy Sibbles and many others.

When not on tour, Shayar focused on his own original music. In 1984, he moved to Brooklyn, NY and formed Crucial Force. In 1998, Shayar moved to the mountains of Beckley, WV – where the natural beauty is akin to that of Jamaica - and continued with a new iteration of the band, Krooshal Force.

Shayar has recorded five albums. Spiritual Warrior, released in 2006, receives radio play in Europe, and is popular with fans on the band’s local circuit. Get Up and Try was released in October 2009.

With Pato Banton	With Carlos Santana
With the Burning Band at Marcus Garvey Youth Club in St. Ann's Bay, early 90s	The view from the stage at Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester, England, on tour with Burning Spear

A handful of the backstage passes collected over the years	With Majek Fashek
Below, with Spear, on tour in Japan