Ready for the resurgence

Kabaka Pyramid rises with new wave of reggae artistes

Davina Henry Staff Reporter

THE UPSURGE of roots rock reggae underground music has now brought several artistes to the forefront of the music industry.

Keron Salmon, more popularly known as Kabaka Pyramid, is just one of the artistes who has been gaining momentum and popularity in Jamaica.

Although relatively unknown to many, the Campion College graduate is well on his way to becoming a fully-fledged reggae star.

Kicking off his career on a sound system before starting a studio with his friends in 2002, after ten years, Kabaka Pyramid is finally getting the recognition he yearns for. Spreading positive messages of spirituality and conscious evolution, Kabaka Pyramind told The Sunday Gleaner that his name represents who he is as an artiste and an individual.

“I found the name Kabaka while I was searching for African names and it resonated with me. In the Ugandan Empire, Kabaka means King. Then I attached ‘Pyramid’ to it because that is one of the highest achievements of black civilisation. Pyramids are monuments that have stood the test of time and I want my music to be like that,” he said.

Co-owner of his independent label, Bebble Rock, Kabaka Pyramid explained that his music has been getting recognition in Europe and Africa especially since his two-month tour to the former.

“I did the ‘Ready Fi Di Road’ tour between April and May this year, I did about 15 shows! We made stops in Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland and the Netherlands. I also collaborated with a German artiste named Sara Lugo and that song is also getting good rotation there. My music is also getting good response in Africa and the West Coast of the United States,” he explained.

SONIC FUSION

Describing his style of music as a fusion of reggae and hip hop, Kabaka Pyramid says it’s a rewarding feeling to finally be getting recognition after putting in the hard work.

“It’s a good feeling. It’s rewarding when people recognise the work you put in. I’ve put in a lot of hard work so I give thanks for that. From you put in hard work, is only a matter of time before it gets out,” Kabaka Pyramid went on to say.

With many persons being reluctant to purchase music from up and-coming artistes, Kabaka Pyramid released his Rebel Music EP for free in July on last year. His next big project is his debut album which will be released in 2013.

REJUVENATION OF REGGAE

With songs such as High and Windy, Free from Chains, Prophesy and a collaboration with artiste Protoje titled Warrior already in his catalogue, Kabaka Pyramid is ready for the rejuvenation of reggae music.

“I believe we are in a time where consciousness is needed. There is a resurgence like what took place in the 1970s with Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, that resurgence is happening again with artistes like myself, Protoje and Chronixx. We’re not really doing classical reggae, we are fusing it with a ‘nowadays style’. I think this will trigger something in people and they will learn more about themselves.”