Twenty-two-year-old Makeida Beckford, popularly known as Keida, is fast carving her own niche in the Jamaican music industry.

The graphic design student at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts is well known for scorching hits such as Jamaican Boy, Cyaan Get Enough and Hot it Up with Leftside.

She has also been a popular performer on the RE School Tour, RJR’s Cross Country Invasion Tour and Jamnesia, a popular show in her hometown, Bull Bay, St Andrew.

TEENage caught up with Makeida recently and got some insight into her life and her music career.

Music and Art

TA: When and how did you get started in music?

M: I actually started last year March. I was friends with Leftside and so we would normally hang out at the studio. I did a hook for him and he loved it and from there everything started. I later released my first single, Jamaican Boy.

TA: How would you describe your music?

M: It is a mixture of reggae, dancehall and R&B.

TA: Do you write your own songs?

M: Yes, sometimes I do, but for the songs that I have released, they have been co-written with Leftside.

TA: What has the response to your music been like?

M: I have been getting really good feedbacks. When I am on tours, I am even more amazed by how much people have grasped my music. I have even received offers from radio stations in Amsterdam, New York, Canada and France to do dub plates for them, because of my music.

TA: Which management team are you currently aligned to?

M: I am not under any formal management right now. However, I am greatly supported by family and friends, and they are my greatest inspirations right now.

TA: Speaking of family, tell us a little about your family background?

M: Well, I am from a big family (eight brothers and sisters) of artistes, not musically, but my parents, who are Rastafarians, do fine arts and décor. My little brother does skateboarding and my eldest sister is a model.

TA: Certainly with an artistic background and current graphic design studies at Edna Manley, you must have done some work in this respect. Tell us about this.

M: (Laughs) Well, yes I have done some paintings as well. I have done the zinc paintings for Toots’ music video and other art directions, set designs and make-up artistry for other music videos. Additionally, I have taught CXC Art and tutored children who love art as well. I also love photography!

TA: On the international and local scenes, which artistes are you hoping to work with?

M: Definitely Lady Saw. She is so versatile and I also think she is a great lyricist. I also love Nicky Minaj and Junior Gong. They have some wicked lyrics!

TA: In an era when many of our female artistes have an obtrusively lewd reputation, how do you distinguish yourself?

M: I don’t think I have to be slack to be recognised. I can sing about the same things, but I take a more creative and dynamic approach to my music, because I want it to maintain a lasting flavour for years to come, and my family must be able to listen to it also.

TA: What plans do you have for your music career?

M: I am working on an album and I have launched the video for Jamaican Boy and Cyaan Get Enough. I am therefore now hoping to spread my music internationally and create a bigger and better name for myself in the music industry. I would also love to do collaborations with major artistes around the world.

TA: The one word which sums you up is?

M: “Artical” -versatile, laid-back, free-spirited.

TA: Who are you currently listening to?

M: Usher and Nicky Minaj

TA: What are you currently reading?

M: I am mostly reading on my thesis, “Sports and Social Development”, and poetry from Khalil Gibran.

TA: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about Keida?

M: I am not the uptown, rich, brown skin girl who people often perceive me as being. I am really down-to-earth and governed by Rastafarian principles.

TA: What is your fashion style?

M: It’s eclectic. I do not limit myself. My fashion normally reflects the mood I am in.

TA: Outside of music, what do you do?

M: I am a homebody, so most time I would be home listening to some good music or watching CSI and other detective movies.

TA: What is your best piece of advice to persons wishing to pursue music?

M: From my experience, it’s good to set a goal for yourself and then look at things that will help you achieve this, whether it be consistent and regular rehearsing or networking. Also, try to cultivate some confidence and humility and then launch out extensively as an artiste. Do not limit yourself!

TEENage wishes Makeida all the best!