CANADA-BASED gospel singer Highly Favrd1 is upbeat about the reaction to the mento flavoured Remember the Yam, a nostalgic ditty reminiscing about the Jamaican staple.

Self-produced on the H Favrd 1 label in July, Remember the Yam is gaining traction among radio stations in Canada and Jamaica. It is the lead single from a six-song EP of the same name.

“The line: ‘Remember the yam weh yuh used to nyam’ came out of a conversation with my father… Everything has just been happening naturally. The song has a great message that one must never forget their roots and never throw stone behind them,” she said.

According to Highly Favrd1, the EP showcases calypso, Afrobeat, gospel and reggae.

“The EP also has two gospel songs, two pro-Raptor basketball songs and a tribute to mothers. It’s a really diverse compilation encompassing the beautiful message of Christ. I released it not knowing what to expect, but the Remember the Yam just took off,” said the artiste, whose real name is NeKesha Ann-Marie Blake.

Born in Kingston, she attended St Hugh’s High School for Girls but migrated to Canada at age 14 in 1995. She attended Downsview Secondary in Toronto and then matriculated to George Brown College where she read for a diploma in nursing.

She is gearing up to release her debut gospel album, Breaking Me to Bless Me next year.

“My goal is to use my songs to drive home the message of Christ’s love for all, and to bring peace, cheer, and encouragement to all,” she added.