Country of Origin: Jamaica
Genre/Style: Reggae/Dancehall/Afrobeats
Label Affiliation: Studio Global Beat aka Global Sounds Ltd.
Inezi lives and breathes music.
Influenced at an early age by his father who was also a singer and growing up
every day listening to the local Spanish Town sound system Cooper Tone. He quickly developed his voice and placed top 5 in one of Jamaica’s major talent competitions,
Digicel Rising Stars in 2004. Following the group’s name change to Konscious, they
entered the 2017 Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall competition garnering the
attention of Olympic Champion, Asafa Powell who signed them to a management
deal. Konscious recorded and released a moderately successful single, Trod
It before they broke up a few years later.
Inezi remained committed to his craft
as a solo artist regardless and continued to perform at live events across
Jamaica including an outdoor showcase at Big Yard studios in Kingston, hosted by BBC 1Xtra Seani B. His socially conscious music leaves a lasting impression
hearing it for the time. Before the release of his EP Pain and
Pleasure, Inezi became known for impactful singles, Straight Away
(New Vision One Records), Roots and Culture, and No Love (Teflon
Zincfence). Throughout 2020 and 2021 he connected with Addis Records out of
Austria and created more hard-hitting tracks such as Rise, Sorry Fah,
and African Proverbs which caught the attention of BBC 1xtra David
Rodigan. That same track also made a big impression on social media influencers
and Dancehall DJ Foota Hype’s thousands of followers when it was introduced
during one of his live feeds. All three (3) tracks produced by Addis Records brought
more attention to Inezi’s talent.
From late 2021 to early 2022 upon hearing
African Proverbs, Global Beats Studio C.E.O., Huey Gowdie signed a management
deal with the Spanish Town bred artist. The label wasted no time recording him
and officially released its first project on April 22, 2022. The six (6) track
EP, Pain and Pleasure takes a step away from Inezi’s socially conscious
side to a more personal, softer side. Through the music Inezi channel his
truth, disappointments, pain, and raw emotions. Tracks such as Scatter Me,
Refuse to Be You, Blame Me, On It, Fine Wine, and Higher
was made to officially introduce another side of Inezi that has never
been heard before and, prepare reggae music lovers for journeying with him on
the path to success.
Veteran broadcaster David Rodigan
endorsed Pain and Pleasure EP calling it “first-class!” Other DJs such
as Daddy English (Reggae in the City Podcast), Lenora Stedford (LUV Radio, UK),
DJ Wiz (Vibe 105.5 FM in Toronto), Nikki Z (The Bridge 99 FM, Jamaica), and,
Ramona Samuels (Riddim 102 – 9 FM, Jamaica) among others, have also praised the
project. Pain and Pleasure EP was created in the midst of the global
pandemic and, is a combination of classic 90s dancehall vibe and heartfelt
ballads, showcasing the talent of soft-spoken singer/songwriter Horatio ‘Inezi’
Flowers.
Country of Origin: Jamaica
Genre/Style: Reggae/Dancehall/Afrobeats
Label Affiliation: Nostra Entertainment
Levar Blair was born in Kingston, Jamaica to parents Majorie and Michael Blair and, was raised in Portmore St. Catherine with his siblings. The promising Jamaican recording artist who goes by the name Kingpin is a graduate in the field of Psychology at the University of the West Indies (UWI). In his formative years, he attended St. George’s College and Ardenne Preparatory schools respectively, both listed among Kingston’s prominent educational institutions.
Kingpin’s musical interest developed from about the age of 6 when he was exposed to music recording and production at Sound Wave studio. There, he gained firsthand knowledge of how an artiste recorded 45rpm and dubplates furthering his interest love for music entertainment. While attending Ardenne Preparatory, he played in the school’s band and subsequently joined the choir and drama clubs where he participated in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) annual festival. The JCDC plays a pivotal role in the development, promotion, and preservation of Jamaica’s cultural heritage and hosts annual events exposing as well as showcasing talents.
In 2015, Kingpin on a personal music quest was introduced to FL studio by a friend and started making beats before he decided to venture into recording. Thereafter, he started honing his skills until he decided during the 2020 Covid pandemic to release his first official track in March 2021. He was introduced to Street Block Records on Jan.2021 by a mutual friend (Romario Bowen) and started recording with a young producer (Merrick). The duo recorded tracks such as Friend of Mine, Badmind Friend, and Nostra Party. Several months later Kingpin was introduced to Beats by Dimitri and again by Romario Bowen, where he recorded a track called, Only You.
In November 2021, Kingpin recorded a track entitled “Charisma” produced by Nostra Entertainment, and in December 2021 released the up-tempo “Flossy” on the Nostra Entertainment label. February 2022, he released another track entitled “Blessings” in continuance with his drive to stake his claim in the Jamaican Music Industry.
Kingpin is a talented artist whose music resonates with
the millennials. The 25-year-old passion for developing his musical talent has
bolstered his decision to embark on this musical journey.
Country of Origin: Nigeria
Genre/Style: Ragga/Dancehall
Label Affiliation: Indie
Country of Origin: Jamaica
Genre/Style: Non-Traditional Dancehall
Label Affiliation: Indie
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| Krvcial GGod |
Country of Origin: Jamaica
Genre/Style: Neo-Roots Reggae
Label Affiliation: Indie
Jah Izrehl's musical background aligns with his uncle Little Twitch a popular deejay in the 1980s. He honed his skill as a singer/songwriter during his formative years at school as well as acknowledged and adhere to the Rastafarian faith. A lover of music, Jah Izrehl is an ardent fan of underground rap/hip-hop music as well as the music of Steel Pulse, Ziggy Marley, and Lee Scratch Perry.
Jah Izrehl toasting experience began on one of the founding sound systems of reggae music, Stur Gav. His deep roots and knowledge of genre developed from watching eminent DJ Josey Wales and Brigadier Jerry.
In 2014 Jah Izrehl met Navino from popular dancehall artist Aidonia's J.O.P. camp who motivated him and boosted his self-confidence. Jah Izrehl also founded the independent label, Astro Music and has worked with producer Jovi Dupree releasing singles, Music A Mad Mi, On My Way, and Better Dan That.
In 2015 he met Bredroc Music boss Audley 'Breddie' Allen who manages reggae artist Sophia Squire. He was introduced by his son and producer, Raheem Allen. Jah Izrehl started working with the label and alongside Sophia Squire gaining exposure from performing live at major events, Reggae Sumfest, Rebel Salute, and The St. Ann Kite Festival.
Bredroc Music formed an alliance with Global Flex Records to undertake the artist's managerial responsibilities. This talented reggae singjay is poised for a major break in the reggae/dancehall industry. His aim is to saturate the genre's fan bases with motivational and inspiring messages. Jah Izrehl is a street firebrand that is authentic and musically aligned with the poor and downtrodden. Give him your ears and your mind will follow.
Artist: Sativa D Black1
Country of Origin: Jamaica
Genre/Style: Reggae/Dancehall
Label Affiliation: Indie
Growing up in D-Side District Sativa D Black1's upbringing both humbled and humor him at the same time. His mother, a household helper, and market vendor, and father, a bus driver, occupied a one-bedroom shack with their five children. Life could not get tougher for the family, Derrick Smith was never home and Sativa's mother was overworked, underpaid, and stressed. Sativa, his brothers, and his sister faced humiliation almost daily from kids at school. They were mocked for wearing clothes that always seem to draw just too much attention as well as their overall living conditions which made going to school an uphill task.
Linstead All Age (now Primary and Junior High) and Bog Walk Secondary schools would become the most of schooling Sativa D Black1 got with education. At age 15 he intentionally dropped out of Bog Walk Secondary at the end of the first term, yielded by the need to seek employment so he could assist his depressed mother. He took a job at a supermarket in the town where he worked for 10 years.
The 34 years old dread-locked entertainer resisted the temptation to part-take in school football competitions during his formative years due to poverty-stricken conditions but jumped at a second opportunity years later and became known as the skillful Forward, 'Tommy Skunk' in the parish. The name he took on from a joke between him and a friend about an elder who would pay them $10 to run errands before he ended up in prison. The football competitions he played were also fun but he would excel as his passion and skill propelled him in the sport from a minor to a national league player. Tommy Skunk then created a major opportunity for himself but the mental defect of his unfortunate past overrode a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. After the first training session with National league team Rivioli, Sativa D Black 1 walked away.
Nonetheless, the multi-talented dread-locked entertainers' suffering and tribulations made him compassionate coupled with the warmth of the people in and around his community, nightlife activities such as a 'penny concert', clubbing, and amenities the busy town of Lindstead offers positively impacted his life. Music and entertainment overshadowed the difficult times so he alluded to them.
He formed an alliance with friends who were also relentless in their efforts to get heard and started selecting a sound system called Upsetta. From there Sativa D Black1 gained experience mixing deejays as they toasted live. The move would become a launchpad for his own career as one fateful Friday night he was coaxed into showing off his own talent and came to realize his true potential.
Influenced by the likes of Capleton, Sizzla, and Bounty Killer, Sativa D Black1 strong vocals, playful lyrics, and charisma quickly captured the hearts of his 'parishioners'. The name Tommy Skunk stuck with him only for a while as it was deemed 'inappropriate' when he entered the Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall competition in 2012. He renamed himself, Sativa which was used to describe 'high energy marijuana', and added 'D Black1' to distinguish himself from a female artiste also of the same name. Sativa D Black1 did not make it as a finalist in the highly publicized Magnum competition but would have benefited from its massive exposure across the island.
In 2015 Sativa D Black1 released his first recording, "No AK" and 'Elders' produced by Hungry Mouth Production. He then went on to record and release another track entitled 'Know Jah' on the Wade Wade Productions label. But it was his signing with the New York-based CharmB Productions label that made a positive impact on his career. In 2016 he released a single called, "Petty Thief" on the YGF Recording label which created quite a stir before releasing his first official single "Ungrateful" off his 2017 EP of the same title produced by CharmB Productions.
This St. Catherine native Shaun 'Sativa D Black1' Smith has truly made his mark. His impressive stagecraft, clarity, high energy, and witty lyrics set him apart from his peers and prove he's definitely here to stay!.
Artiste Name: Papi Kat
Country of Origin: Jamaica
Genre/Style: Reggae/Dancehall
Label Affiliation: Indie
Papi Kat was always prepared to go after what he wanted or whatever it takes to elevate himself. He would also hustle in the streets selling bag juice, clothing, and fruits in Half Way Tree, Kingston just to get by. This lifestyle he adopted was due to financial constraints his parents experienced. By age 18 Papi Kat was a seasoned street vendor and having accepted such a way of life, he wasted no time feeling sorry about his situation.
In 2014 Papi Kat recorded 5 singles in the studio in between his day job working as a Gardener. He subsequently released two songs entitled, 'Black Woman' and 'Ghetto Youth Rise Up' inspired by real-life experiences. The 25-year-old sing-jay is eager to succeed and performed at the annual Kite Festival in Ocho Rios in April 2015 and the Taylor Hall Cultural Show Concert in February of the same year at the University of the West Indies with exciting applause.
In an interview on NewsTalk 93 FM radio station in Kingston, Papi Kat when asked how he sees himself in another 5 years said, "I see myself as a household name in Jamaica and the reggae/dancehall music industry on a whole." Check out this single, 'Hush Mama' independently produced by Papi Kat and featuring a singer known as Renzo. The song which he independently produced is inspired by a real-life experience, the death of his brother. Click the Soundcloud player above.
Bursting with energy, Jazzy wears many hats in the music world, including singer, songwriter, producer (sound and video), promoter, and fan. Officially, he currently holds the title of Creative Director at SMG Productions, which was recently signed to Shady Universal under a publishing contract.
To date, he released numerous singles, some of which have gained prominence in the dancehall scene, like "Plainclothes" and the album Jazzifrass, which features an eclectic mix of dancehall, hip-hop, and reggae. Throughout his career, he has shared the stage with artists such as Maxi Priest, Capelton, Luciano, and the legendary Sugar Minot. His most recent collaboration "Ride In" with Ding Dong, recorded at Gargamel Studio in Kingston, Jamaica is sure to be the next big summer anthem. To hear and download Jazzy's music, check out www.kingjazzy.com
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