A tour of Montego Bay’s newest attraction, Temple X Music Mansion, is sure to leave music and art lovers with a heightened sense of appreciation for the rich historical value that can be found behind the property’s walls.
Brainchild of Canadian music promoter Kit Andrew and travel influencer Randy Nash, the mansion is home to priceless photographs and stories featuring some of the world’s most talented musical acts.
Told in a rather unconventional way, these stories can be accessed by scanning the barcode found beneath each photograph. That unlocks a treasure trove of personal anecdotes narrated by Canadian Mr X, the property’s owner and former rock and roll music producer, about his work with each musician. As the name Music Mansion suggests, the soothing sounds of music provides the perfect backdrop for these well-told tales.
The venue is all the more intriguing because of the mystery that shrouds the elusive Mr X. Though he has produced music for numerous famous performers throughout his career, he is a recluse who prefers to keep his identity secret — at least when it comes to the Music Mansion.
Not to worry. The Music Mansion’s conceptualiser, Andrew — who says he has also had the pleasure of working in the music studio with Mr X — was on hand during our recent visit. He was only too happy to explain how the hi-tech art gallery came to be.
Andrew tells the Jamaica Observer’s LetsTravelCaribbean.com that it was after the onset of the novel coronavirus pandemic that he decided to bring riveting stories to music and art enthusiasts.
“We are very excited to open the doors to the world and we want people to come and experience the incredible stories. These are one-on-one real life stories from one of the most powerful men in the music industry. We soft-opened about a month ago,” he says.
With a diverse and captivating range of musicians being featured throughout the Music Mansion, visitors can look forward to hearing stories about their favourite acts, Andrew explains.
“This guy worked with the biggest artists, from The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Madonna and U2. We [also] feature The Beatles, Tina Turner, Grace Jones and Bob Marley,” he adds.
Work produced by talented Jamaican artists has also been strategically placed inside the Music Mansion — a philanthropic endeavour insisted upon by Mr X, says Andrew.
“There is also a big focus here on Jamaican artists — musical artists and Jamaican painters — you will notice as you go through the house tour,” he says.
If you have worked up an appetite while exploring the Music Mansion, you will definitely be in good hands as there is a restaurant on property ready to serve you deliciously cooked Jamaican meals. The well-stocked ‘Little Havana’ bar is also equipped with any drink of your choice.
The venue is also available for visitors who simply want to immerse themselves in the wonders of the beautiful five-acre property. With eight rooms to choose from, Temple X Music Mansion is the perfect getaway for music and art lovers.
You never know, you might just meet Mr X and hear his stories first-hand during your next visit to the Music Mansion.
