Newly-crowned queen of the Magnum Kings and Queens competition, Candy K, is already eyeing another musical title. It belongs to Lady Saw, who has sat on dancehall’s throne for nearly 20 years.

“I really admire Lady Saw, not only because her lyrics are hardcore and sometimes raunchy, but because she proved to the world that she can be just as successful as her male counterparts,” Candy K told Splash. “I know this is going to be hard but I hope that I become good enough so she can pass on that baton to me.”

Candy K and fellow deejay Krushal walked away with $1 million last Saturday, winning the Magnum finals after intense competition. Both will record songs produced by UIM Records and a video to be directed by RD Studios.

At 18-years-old, Candy K is the youngest woman to win the contest.

Born Kadyah Thomas, she hails from Rockfort in east Kingston and says her community played a vital role in her victory.

“They saw my musical potential from an early age and encouraged me. They along with the rest of Jamaica voted their hearts out and when I won they were overjoyed. During the competition, they hosted weekly parties for me and dem jus’ gwaan bad and have mi back a 100 per cent.”

Candy K says she has always wanted to be an entertainer, writing her first ‘lyrics’ at age 13.

With the Magnum competition out of the way, she is not ready to take on music full-time. The former Alpha Academy student plans to enroll at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts.

“I think it is best for me to get a thorough knowledge of the industry before I enter fully in it. I will be stepping out armed with musical knowledge when I complete my studies, so the world better watch out for me,” she said.

— Simone Morgan