Kranium sees right time for official local debut

Timing is everything for dancehall artiste Kranium, but in a short time he established himself as one of the genre's biggest names internationally with hits like Nobody Has To Know in 2015.

In 2019, he unveiled his debut album Midnight Sparks. The featured tracks continued to gain traction across the US, UK and Latin American markets throughout 2019 but Gal Policy made a mark 'in the streets' and locally. Kranium expressed gratitude that his audience has never put him or his music into a box.

"Remember, I am a dancehall artiste that buss in the US first and I represent dancehall music from America. I don't think dancehall itself has ever been placed into a box; it has always been raw and raunchy. From me a youth that's what me a listen to," he said. Kranium also said that he has never been told that either he or his music is underrated.

He has continued to tour across the US, Europe, and Africa, cementing his name as one of the forces in dancehall as he performed on stages such as Rototom Sunsplash in Spain and Reggae Geel in Belgium among others. Still many Jamaicans would be surprised to know that while Kranium has made appearances at events on home soil, he was never ever officially booked for any local shows.

"I have passed through shows," the artiste said, followed by laughter. "But to be real, this Heroes' Day is the first time performing officially. That's for Sharkies Seafood Festival in St Ann. It is my first time officially on a flyer billed to perform. Again, timing is the only reason for this."

The festival will also feature performances by Jah Vinci, Moyann, Jahshii, Laa Lee, D'Yani, Chronic Law, Bugle, Zamunda, and Louie Culture, among others.

"I have always thought it important to build the catalogue and that when it was the right time, I would find myself representing here," Kranium said.

He is currently promoting a new collaboration with R&B star Queen Naija titled, Without You, which shows the softer side of Kranium. He said that 2022 will see him exploring and innovating more as he seeks to solidify his mark with a new project, the In Too Deep album. He will also be re-embarking on the 'Wi Deh Yah' tour.

Spot dates in the US, in Kenya and Ghana will follow.

- S.L.