Richie Sax hitting the right notes in life, music

Daniel Richards, better known as Richie Sax, is set to take the stage at Kingston Creative Artwalk this Sunday, carrying with him a story of resilience, faith, and the sweet soul of music.

The saxophonist, who also entertains guests at Sandals Southcoast in Whitehouse, Westmoreland, sees the event as a chance to share his journey with new listeners. That journey began behind the gates of Alpha Boys Home, the institution known for shaping generations of Jamaican musicians. Life in state care was challenging, marked by chores, routines, and discipline, but also by music, a companion that gave him direction and hope.

"The other kids used to bully me for being soft, and there were times I got beat up," Richie Sax recalled. "I became a favourite with the staff and the kitchen team because I always helped out, managed the gate, and took on different responsibilities." What could have been only hardship instead became the soil in which confidence and character grew.

It was at Alpha that Richie Sax was first introduced to church. He was baptised during his time there, setting the foundation for a faith that still anchors him today.

"Even now, I go to church every Sunday and play my saxophone," he explained. "As a child I didn't understand certain things, but as I got older and left the home, I started connecting more deeply with it."

Music, too, had its own winding path.

"I actually didn't choose that instrument at first," Richie Sax said. "I wanted to play the flute, but my bandmaster put me on the clarinet and then the alto saxophone." What started as a redirection turned into a passion. Opportunities such as the Food for the Poor Band Camp where he served as an instructor under Alpha graduate Jeffrey Brown deepened his skill and gifted him his first personal saxophone. It was the beginning of a professional journey that would eventually see him co-founding Sounwav Band alongside fellow musicians.

Now 27, Richie Sax counts jazz giant Gerald Albright and Jamaican legend Dean Fraser among his biggest influences. His admiration for Albright became personal when he had the chance to own a saxophone signed by the American musician, a prized possession that serves as both inspiration and reminder of where discipline and faith have carried him.

"It's always a joy for me to play for people and see them enjoy it," he said. "That's when the music feels real."

With Kingston Creative Artwalk around the corner, Richie Sax is eager to showcase that sound to a wider audience. Asked how he'd sum up his vibe, he draws a playful comparison.

"Think of it like a Red Stripe Lemon, refreshing, light, and easy to enjoy. That's the energy I try to bring whenever I play," he said.

From Alpha Boys Home to Maxfield Park Children's Home, from bullying to bandstands, Richie Sax has carried his saxophone as both shield and voice. On stage, his music threads together discipline, faith, and joy, creating a sound that lingers long after the final note fades.