Singer Khalia said her shows in Latin America as opening act for Alborosie is a major boost for her career. The two-week trek saw them performing in Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Chile, and Colombia.

She said the Colombia leg was the highlight.

“Performing in front of more than 30,000 people and being able to connect with that audience in Colombia was amazing,” she told the Jamaica Observer’s Splash.

The experience, Khalia added, was invaluable as Latin America is one of reggae’s strongest markets. She used the opportunity to build a fan base and to network and promote her songs such as Don’t Run, Designer and My Name.

“I planned those as goals for the tour and they were all accomplished,” she said.

The gig with Alborosie was a winner for Khalia. The Italian singer is one of the best touring acts in reggae, especially in Latin America. He is promoting his album, Unbreakable: Alborosie Meets the Wailers United, released last year.

Born in Westmoreland, Khalia migrated to England as a child. She recently relocated to Jamaica to jump-start her music career.

Designer and Ocean, produced by Tony Kelly, are popular in the United Kingdom through strong play on radio stations including Capital Xtra and The Beat London 103.6 FM.