Ikaya

At first note Jamaican born singer-songwriter Ikaya captures one’s attention. A voice rich filled with soul and passion, the songbird is soaring and making her mark in a saturated arena.

A Waterhouse native, (birthplace of Junior Reid, Vybz Kartel and Beenie Man), Ikaya like many of her peers earned her stripes with various school competitions, but it was her father’s popularity as a former football player for the Reggae Boyz that catapulted the budding singer in the limelight “Daddy had a relationship with Reggae Superstar Capleton who was impressed with my singing and took me on tour with him to sing backgrounds and perform as his opening act. It was through that relationship that I recorded my first single titled “Fire” with Capleton, that was well received in the reggae community.

The versatile artist impressive body of work has garnered international attention, as well as delivered collaborations with the likes of Billboard dancehall star Busy Signal, and Peetah Morgan of Grammy award-winning Morgan Heritage. When asked to describe her distinctive sound, she offered the following “I guess I am a cross between Jekalyn Carr meets Fantasia Barino over reggae grooves and booming baselines that builds and breaks at the right time to add some dynamism. It’s a soulful reggae sound, tinged with vocal licks learned from gospel, and real life lyricism that moves you.”

Presently busy writing and recording, Ikaya aims to release a 2018 EP or album “I’m not sure if it’s going to be a full length album or just an EP. I just know I want to give the public something that represents “IKAYA WIND OF SOUL.” A collection of songs that represent my inner core that resonates with every single person that hears it. There will be something in there for the lover, the heartbroken, the cheating man/woman, the relationship that inspires relationship goals, and for the child who needs hope.”