LAST year was great for conscious reggae artiste Jahmiel.

His track Gain The World was on the lips of many and was the breakthrough the 24-year-old artiste was searching for. Having began performing at eight and recording music since he was 12, the singjay is well aware the road to recognition is never going to be easy. Prepared to put in the work, Jahmiel reaped his rewards in late 2015 and rode the momentum in 2016.

“There were a number of firsts for me during 2016. I was able to perform overseas, touching places like Belgium, Canada and the US for the first time and perform for my fans. I was also on big shows like Rebel Salute performing alongside Mavado. Other highlights of the year included seeing my video for the song Years To Come airing on BET Soul. I also won the JaRIA and Sting awards for Breakthrough Artiste of the Year,” he told Splash.

With the accolades that have come his way, Jahmiel is cognisant that there are people watching his every move, but he is prepared for that, especially those who come with negative energy.

“A dog never barks at a parked car. I understand that these things will come my way and I use them as motivations. When you look at a song like Gain The World and you have people who dislike it, I realise that I just have to be passionate about what I do and just go with my heart and what I believe in. I have good people around me ’cause I realise that teamwork makes the dream work, so that also keeps me grounded.”

As for 2017, the artiste promises to hit the ground running, doubling his output.

“Just expect more great things from the great man. I had about seven songs that were hits last year; looking forward to 14 this year. I write music based on experiences and the more I live, the more experiences I will have. This year I want to put out my first album. I have no set date, but it’s this year for sure.”

Jahmiel joins Capleton, Shenseea, Popcaan, Beenie Man, Spice, Masicka on tomorrow’s staging of Magnum Live to be held at Sabina Park in Kingston. This, the artiste says, will kick-start his year, which sees him already booked for gigs in the wider Caribbean — St Vincent and St Kitts — as well as spot shows in Europe in February.

As he prepares for 2017, he has a word of encouragement for young acts like himself who are yearning for a break in the business.

“Just understand that it is never a quick thing. You can’t put a time on what you do and when you will get your break. So just love what you do and put in the time, knowing that it is all about Jah timing.”