Though being the grandson of one of reggae music’s most influential voices, singer Cocoa Tea, deejay Kush Ghad has learnt that the journey in music is not exactly a walk in the park.

The toaster, who is from Clarendon, has faced many disappointments in a bid to get his career off the ground.

“To be honest, it has been a rough journey in the music industry because many times producers and engineers neglected my talent. But that didn’t stop me from aiming for what I want, because music has been my passion from a tender age. And I always tell myself that I want to become an artiste and must be one of the greatest one day, just hard work and dedication can make it possible,” Kush Ghad shared in an interview with the Jamaica Observer on Wednesday.

Kush Ghad’s passion for music was fuelled while studying at Knox College.

“I didn’t take music seriously at first because I was a dancer. That’s what I was primarily known for doing, but people started to encourage me to do music after I performed at a function at school. When I was 16 I stepped into a recording studio for the first time,” the dancehall artiste recalled.

He continued, “There were people who just never believed in the talent, whole heap a fight you get; engineer go roun’ you when you ask for a session at the studio, but I realised that it’s just a part of the game.”

Kush Ghad takes inspiration from dancehall artiste Alkaline.

“Mi look up to Alkaline because him just do him own ting and nuh follow nobody. A dat me a do. I use that as a drive to motivate meself. I always try to be meself and nobody else,” he reasoned.

He is presently under the guidance of Clarendon based DJ Lux, who has been helping him to get his career growing as well as several recording opportunities.

Nuh Perfect, one of his latest singles, chronicles the experiences that he has been through, while Firm Ground was released last week. Both songs were produced by DJ Lux and Maleik.

“Many times I feel like giving up music, but I have a dream, so I have to remain focused, no matter the obstacles, because one day I’m gonna prove my worth,” said Kush Ghad.

Born Eric Forrester, Kush Ghad’s mother Rashine Scott is the daughter of Calvin Scott, better known in music circles as Cocoa Tea.

Said Kush Ghad: “Right now is the world mi waa fi hear mi. Mi waa fi travel and tour and spread the music. Mi waa win all a Grammy too. But I know it tek time, and I’m willing to put in the work to achieve.”