With more than a decade in the industry, it is safe to say that producer Rayon “Slyda Di Wizard” Curate has created a space for himself in the dancehall. He is the mastermind behind many of the genre’s hit songs for which he is proud.

“Recently, I produced Happiness by Ding Ding, a spin-off from the Afrobeat song, Ah Finesse song. I’ve also worked on Love Alone by Tarrus Riley featuring Kabaka Pyramid, and I Believe by D Major. A few of my biggest productions would be Shenseea’s Best Life, Trending Gyal on the Braff Riddim, Wasabi on the Wasabi Riddim, and Iwata’s Thick Thick. Other notable productions are the Grace and Gratitude Riddim, Stage Mix Riddim, Table fi Table Riddim, Ghetto Lifestlye Riddim, just to name a few. To date, I have produced well over 400 songs,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

The Guy’s Hill High School and Excelsior Community College alumnus also collaborated with Shenseea on her debut album, Alpha, which premiered on March 11. He, alongside DJ Blackboi, produced the track Egocentric.

Slyda said he has high hopes for the project.

“The album is very diverse in its compilation and has a uniqueness to it, which offers something for everyone. All the songs on the album are a hit in my opinion. I’m simple honoured to have gotten a chance to work on such a masterpiece and my hope is that it gets all the recognition, nominations and accolades it deserves,” he said.

Slyda is one of the foundation members of Romeich Entertainment, which is spearheaded by Romeich Major. The producer says it has been a learning experience, and he has expanded his network because of this opportunity.

“It has been a most humbling and exciting experience. I got the chance to work with some of the most influential dancehall artistes of the time and have learned so much from those early years. During those formative years, bonds were formed with serveral of these artistes, one such person was Tarrus Riley. He was one who always provided me with guidance insight and perspective throughout my musical journey. I got also got advice and guidance from other stalwart producers such as Steve Locke from Truck Back Records, Grub Cooper from Fab 5 band and also Stephen ‘The Genius’ McGregor who has always answered my calls and questions no matter what,” he added.

Slyda, who looks up to Jordan from Chimney Records and London On Da Track, sees himself as an international producer in coming years. Until then, he had some words of encouragement for up-and-coming producers.

“Never give up. Align yourself with persons of positive influences who want to succeed just as much as you do and never doubt yourself or your work,” he said.