Yeza Talks ‘Kingdom’, East Side, Reggae And More

Yeza has carved out a special place in Reggae music with her imperial sound, impeccable style and golden voice. Representing Bull Bay, St. Thomas, the Rebel songstress continues to deliver with the recently released Kingdom project, building up even more anticipation for a full-length project.

Imagine a one-drop beat and a mic, then add in an extra sprinkle of lyrical magic, confidence, charm on the punchlines and you have Kingdom, along with the catchy eye-popping visual ensemble which debuted earlier this summer.

Shot on location in the “East Side” Star Lane district, which is home to Yeza and many uprising talents, the quarry-laden hills provide a stunning backdrop where a new generation of Dancehall and Reggae gems seems to be perpetually chiseled.

Visuals aside, Kingdom (produced by Dim King and I Am Wave music) is a noteworthy song that epitomizes every Jamaican youth’s dream of overcoming adversity whilst striving to achieve their goals in life. The song made waves across radio this summer with spitfire lyrics and an infectious hooks “NAH SLEEP WHA KEYS TO THE KINGDOM” and “Who waan pree, can pree from a distance” – consistently driving home the point of persevering no matter what the obstacle.

DancehallMag sat down to chat with Yeza about Kingdom and what’s to come.

You have made a name for yourself in the reggae community. What does reggae and dancehall mean to you as an artist? 

Reggae and dancehall for me is a very important cultural expression and symbol of cultural identity. As much as we may not align reggae and dancehall to African roots, I believe it is an excellent reminder of how much flair and attitude we have retained from our African origins and how much we have expanded on these elements in new and exciting ways.

All of your projects seem to have a divine element to them. What does “Kingdom” mean to you?

Thank you, I am happy to know you find a divine elements in my work. Kingdom is really a state of mind more than a physical place. It’s a state of mind that encourages  fearlessness and brilliance in pursuit of well-deserved dreams and aspirations. It’s a gentle reminder to never fold, especially when you already put in blood, sweat and tears. Build your Kingdom, make your struggle count for something.

What is it like being a woman in the reggae and dancehall  industry during these times?

It is what it is, I feel like the general society sets the tone and then all the other industries and sectors follow through. We live in a very egotistical male dominant society with excess amounts of penis power, but I don’t spend too much time on this comparison. I’m here to eat and I will be fed.

What have been some of your favorite artists to collaborate with, and who is your dream collab?

I’ve actually not done many collabs. I loved collaborating with Turbulence on the track Rebel Code as I listened to him growing up. Was a pleasure to be on an actual track with him.

In the future I hope to collaborate with Chronixx, I really grew to appreciate his sound. I can tell that he’s making a deliberate attempt to bridge the generation gap so that knowledge can spread to the youths and I really hope to be integral in this movement. He’s making conscious music more digestible for the youths and we need that elevation in society.

What can we expect from your upcoming album or project?

Expect more music, expect growth, expect me to stick around and evolve!

Press play on Kingdom above.