Through hit songs by heavyweights like Justin Bieber and Rihanna, tropical house has been hailed as the breakout sound for 2016. Brett Ikon wants to be the first Jamaican to capitalise on its popularity.

The 22-year-old singer recently released What Makes This Work, his first song. It has the dancehall/islands flavour that made Bieber’s Sorry and Work by Rihanna mega-sellers.

According to Brett Ikon, initial promotion for the single is in a medium that has worked wonders for other forms of rhythm-driven music, like EDM and House.

“We’re trying to get it in the clubs ’cause that’s where the young people are,” he told the

Jamaica Observer. “Tropical house is really exciting and that’s why its catching on with people like me.”

What Makes This Work is produced by Cargill “Mr Dre” Lawrence. While it is geared at the young and hip, Brett Ikon said its message is universal.

“The lyrics are mature; it speaks to marriage.”

Born Brett Smith in Montego Bay, Brett Ikon attended Cornwall College, where his admiration for acts like Vybz Kartel and Drake developed. The passion for dancehall and hip hop grew after he left high school, but it was not until this year that he began recording.

What Makes This Work is released by tunecore.com.

— Howard Campbell