by ERIN MacLEOD

A God-fearing family man who claims gospel as his top ranking style of music, Jamaica's Sanchez showcases snapshots of his wife and kids on his Web site. But on stage, Sanchez is a buttery-smooth-voiced ladykiller. Known as much for his sugary covers of R&B hits like "I Believe I Can Fly" and "Let Me Love You Down" as for his own original - yet still as sweet - smash tunes, women just can't resist Sanchez's brand of lovers rock. The Mirror spoke to a slightly under-the-weather Sanchez about sounds, suits and songs.

Mirror: When you first started, you were selecting on a sound system, and you still run your own, Sexylus. How important do you think the sound system is to Jamaican music?

Sanchez: It's the most vital thing in the music right now. I think the sound system is what really puts an artist on the map, because not all of that is stuff that is being played on the air. And I'm sure that it's being played in the dancehall. Any time the sound systems from Jamaica die out, I think the music will be no more.

M: You and your wife are particular about designing your onstage outfits. A strong stage presence is important for you.

S: It is number one! I think an artist could be well attired and just go on stage for the first 20 minutes and just take the show right there. Him don't have to say nothing, just put on something nice and the right coordination.

M: And those who don't?

S: You will hear critics. You will hear people that are really true fans and they're saying, "Man, did he have to come like that, he couldn't put a suit on? He couldn't tuck his shirt in?" For real! Some of these artists, they don't care. You have to remember attirement. A lot of artists out there could be very good, they could sing, they could write, but the state of appearance is just not there.

With Jah Cutta & Determination Band, Mello G, Sampaloo, Little D and more at Royal Vale High School (5851 Somerled, NDG) on Saturday, March 26, 9 p.m., $30+

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