Discover the kaleidoscopic world of Khalia Image

by Biko Kennedy / Jun 22, 2017 01:59 pm

In a musical climate where sounds and techniques are duplicated on a consistent basis, rarely do you come across a sound that is truly deserving of replay value. Then came along Khalia. Bubbly, strategy, witty. We caught up with her recently to find out more about her beginnings and what her future success stories will entail.




JAMusic: Can you introduce yourself? Who are you, how old are you, where are you from?
K: I’m Khalia, I'm a Jamaican born who lived in London for awhile and now she's following her dreams back in her motherland. 

JAMusic: How would you describe your music to someone who's never heard it?
K: My music is catchy, melodic & drenched in concepts. Dancehall for the world, fun with a good mix of cultures.

JAMusic: Before entering the world of music, what life events framed the path of your professional journey?
K: I have always been into music, I've been in studios since I was 15. But before moving back to Jamaica, I used to do voiceovers which helped me with versatility and accepting direction when it's given. 

JAMusic: How do you think your single 'Ride Up' will impact your growing fan base as well as attract new listeners?
K: People are loving it so far! And I'm really happy to hear all the positive reviews. So 'Ride Up' will definitely attract more listeners to brand Khalia  and they will want to hear more of what I have in store. 



JAMusic: What elements do you hold that’ll define you as an entertainer as oppose to just another artiste?
K: Well, I'm perfecting my craft as both a vocalist and a dancer. I performed  choreographed  dance pieces that we did for one of my videos, and full Hollywood style  action fight scene on another. So it's just a lot of practicing and doing everything I can to showcase dancehall in a positive light to the rest of the world. 

JAMusic:  Who's the artiste that keeps you on your toes? Pushes you to go harder?
K: Right now, Tifa. It's like a mentorship during the whole process, with 'Ride Up' coming out... she's been so supportive and helpful. I get so much motivation from her and appreciate all the input and ideas she puts across. 

JAMusic: What would you consider to be the greatest contributor to your musical diversity and versatility?
K: Jamaica, with it's culture and inspiration, along with my life experiences I gathered here and in London. I listen to various genres of music also, which gives me a wider outlook lyrically and style wise. 

JAMusic: A lot of new artistes, especially ones big into the SoundCloud world, keep their profiles relatively low-key. But on Instagram and Twitter you're really active and open. Is that natural for you or a choice you've made to connect with fans?
K: If I want to be the best in the world of music, why would I keep my profile low-key? It's natural, the fans of are who music is made for so of course I would want to connect with them and let them know the love they show is greatly appreciated. It also helps new listeners to get to know you a little more than just the music. It's all about growing your brand.



JAMusic: What's one song that you hold close to you because of a particular line or better yet what's the most philosophical quote you've heard in a song that you hold close to your heart?
K: Buju Banton - Untold Stories - So many lines, but the one that gets me the most is "full up of education yet no on no payroll" Reason being, this song was released in 1995. It's now 2017 and this is still relevant. Not only in Jamaica though, I see so many of my peers graduating but can not get jobs with the degrees they worked so hard for years to acquire.

JAMusic:  We live in an era where the average person's attention span is limited to what they want to see or hear. What are you doing differently that will hold their attention?
K: I have noticed that people sometimes listen with their eyes. So giving beautiful visuals of everything I do is one thing I'm focusing on at the moment. Also my taste in fashion is refreshing,  bundled in vibrant colors. 

JAMusic: With success comes a lot of negative feedback, how do you react or deal with negativity?
K: Ignore it. Negativity breeds negativity and I don't need that kind of  energy. Turn it into motivation to push harder.


JAMusic: When you look to the future, what are some of the areas you’d like to change professionally and personally?
K: There’s nothing I would like to change, I am going to grow wiser, smarter & improve on things that makes me a better person and an upstanding Jamaican So, the more practice I get, the better I will become. 

JAMusic:  What insight can you give on the power of music and its ability to communicate certain messages verbally and non-verbally? And what do you think your music represent?
K: Music is the universal language. It is very powerful and people may underestimate it. But, have you ever been sad and if you listen to a sad song it makes your mood way worse. But if you play something more upbeat your mood can go the other way too? That is how powerful music is.  It can control you, subconsciously. That's why I just want all my music to bring positive and happy vibes to the people.

JAMusic: What's the purpose on your musical journey? What's the message you're trying to give?
K: I want to represent dancehall and Jamaica in a positive light to the rest of the world. Show everyone, Dancehall is very versatile.

Image A music aficionado redefining possibilities while pushing the limits of success...
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