THE year 2022 has been a great one for newcomer Topmann. Not only did he have a breakthrough hit with Gyal Code, but he also earned himself a spot in the local dancehall space.

Topmann is one of the acts booked to perform at Sting on December 26. The event makes a return to the entertainment scene after a nearly seven-year absence.

“It’s a great feeling knowing that my talent has given me the opportunity to express myself on another traditional platform like Sting. I am well-prepared and very excited to be on the line-up. The fans can expect an energetic, hyperactive and unforgettable performance from Topmann,” he told the Jamaica Observer‘s Splash.

“[The year] 2022 has been life-changing for me, not only musically, but life itself overall. The highlight of my career has been when I started putting all my emotions and disappointments or bad moments to pen and paper and a beat,” he continued.

Sting is slated for Grizzly’s Plantation Cove in St Ann on Boxing Day. The line-up includes Skeng, Jahshii, Christopher Martin, Etana, Shane O, Kraff, and Jada Kingdom.

Started in 1984, at the dawn of modern dancehall’s digital age, the inaugural show featured singers Sugar Minott, Tenor Saw, and Michael Palmer. The genre’s biggest names have played the Boxing Day show over the years.

The singjay says he has been handling his new-found fame quite well.

“Well, I have been handling it well enough, to be honest, although I am a bit off with [regard to] time, because I like to spend time with family, friends and loved ones and even myself. But it’s just a phase in my life that must be understood that I’m busy for a reason, with the aim to change everyone’s life and make it better,” he said.

Born Jamario Hines, Topmann is from Catherine Hall in Montego Bay, St James. He studied at Cornwall College before matriculating to The University of the West Indies, Mona, where he has been pursuing a major in management studies with a minor in psychology.

Topmann, who says he would have been a professional football player if music hadn’t worked out for him, shares that his family has been supportive of his music career.

“My family is very supportive and even though some are Christians — they might not support the song topics or lines in my songs all the time — but they support my music. My mommy and aunty always pray for me and I randomly get a message from my friend Tee who always sends me prayers. My father inevitably supports me as he is proud to see his son doing something that he learnt from him. My father is also a recording artiste, mostly in the reggae aspect of music. His name is Iyah Syte,” said Topmann.

Topmann has worked with producers including Troublemekka, DJ Mac and Papi Don Muziq.

His latest singles are Cash Ready and Dutty Foot Fren. Another single Toxic is to be released today.