Kabaka Pyramid urges up-and-coming acts to invest in albums

STAR Writer

Revolutionary lyricist and the recent winner of the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album, Kabaka Pyramid, says that he wishes he had a larger catalogue of albums.

The release of the Rebel Music EP in 2011 has been used to mark the start of the recording artiste-songwriter's career, and he had several other projects prior to The Kalling, which earned the reggae prize at the 65th Grammy Awards held in Los Angeles earlier this month. Kabaka Pyramid told THE WEEKEND STAR that he has about four to five projects to date, including "one free project, a compilation and then two albums". After releasing Kontraband in 2018, the Red, Gold and Green artiste had fans waiting four years for a new album.

Although Kabaka Pyramid admitted that a next album is nowhere near the top of the to-do list, he shared, "As an artiste, I'm always making music, and I'll be honest, I haven't started working on anything new as yet. But I truly believe in doing real albums. All young artistes can benefit from doing that while at the same time pushing other singles."

He said that no matter where an artiste is in their career, there should be a positive attitude towards making an album which can do more than just show the talent of the persons behind the production, but bring good exposure to wider audiences.

"I think all artistes should work to get their music playlisted [on digital streaming platforms] and invest in the necessary marketing campaigns to push their work. That is what helped get my career going to the next level," he continued.

Kabaka Pyramid recently returned from a successful run in California where he performed at the Cali Vibes Festival held at Marina Green Park in Long Beach. But made an appearance at the Yaksta 22 album launch party inside the Festival Market Place on the waterfront in Kingston.

"I had to come here and support Yaksta. I really rate what he is doing and the content of his songs. He is a good, talented youth," he said.

Both Kabaka Pyramid and Yaksta were recently confirmed for Reggae Jam 2023, one of the biggest music festivals in Bersenbruck, Germany. Kabaka Pyramid is slated to leave the island for New York this weekend where he will perform live at the Amazura Night Club and make and appearance on The Morning Show.

Kabaka Pyramid kick-starts the European leg of 'The Kalling Tour' in France on March 2, and sees a back-to-back schedule of performances, which will end in London on April 10.