IN less than two months, Valiant has made a remarkable surge in dancehall music. This, after going viral with the slang, ‘Kotch e Hat’.

He also has several buzz-worthy songs trending on social media. Among them are C.A.L. (released one week ago and has 942,000 views on YouTube), St Mary (2.9 million views), Siance (1.4 million views) and North Carolina (2.9 million views).

Valiant is booked for Sting which returns after a seven–year break on Boxing Day.

“Things have changed a lot for me. Call it sey, is over a month an’ a half an’ things are looking great. It’s just a blessing because everybody a tek on to di music an’ si sey di talent deh deh,” Valiant disclosed in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

The deejay was at Big Yard studios in Kingston last Saturday, a facility where he recorded earlier in his career. Valiant, who has been recording for 10 years, was also a member of Popcaan’s Unruly camp.

“Nuff people never know sey mi do music, dem did think is a gimmicks ting. So, when dem finally start to listen to mi, dem realise is a different soun’ an’ start gravitate to it,” he said.

According to Valiant, he is busier than ever. Being father to a young son, has made him work even harder.

“Right now, is more work because wi naw slow dung. Wi jus’ a mek di music do di talking. Mi a record songs every day but mi still find time fi di family. My parents are supportive but they are a bit old-fashioned, but as long as mi a do di right ting, dem alright wid it. I am an only child and I have a son. Being a father has made me work harder. I am trying to set a foundation for him,” said Valiant.

Originally from Mannings Hill in Stony Hill, he attended Oberlin High School and St Mary’s College. Valiant also worked in the BPO Call Centre industry before deciding to make music his primary focus.

He has recorded songs for Chap E Line Records, Diplomats Records, and Crown Heights.

“Mi jus’ a be miself an’ it a work. Mi a bring a different soun’, a different wave inna dancehall. Wi haffi always give appreciation to di elders who set di foundation an’ learn from dem. Wi a emulate dem an’ a do di ting di right way,” Valiant shared.

He continued, “Mi work wid energy still. I write songs based on the energy around mi, what mi see an’ what mi go through.”

Valiant, whose real name is Raheem Bowes, says he has learnt valuable lessons from being in music.

“Don’t give up. Try to master your craft every day an’ stay focused. Always believe in yourself an’ continue working. Once yuh a work, suppen a guh happen,” he said.