Moments after dancehall kitten Stalk Ashley hit the stage at last Thursday night’s edition of Sound Check she confidently asked the crowd, “Are you having a good time?” The crowd yelled back a resounding yes.

She then reeled off songs like Still On My Mind, a cover of Chris Brown’s Residual, Young, Dutty Casamigos, and her rendition of Tevin Campbell’s 30-year-old hit Can We Talk, which had the crowd on a musical high.

“I’ve been rehearsing all week and I’ve been [at] home singing the songs. Sound Check was an amazing stage,” Stalk Ashley told the Jamaica Observer post-performance.

Sponsored by J Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum, hosts Dubwise usually mount a monthly event. However, the organisers decided to host two stagings for August.

There was hardly anyone standing still inside the venue on Lady Musgrave Road as Stalk Ashley went to work, focusing on matters of the heart.

The appearance of dancehall artiste Valiant to partner with her on their chart-topping hit
Narcissistic, was enough to send patrons in overdrive.

“Valiant is a good friend of mine and he’s always so supportive. Always a good energy,” said Stalk Ashley.

Valiant and Sean Paul are among the collaborators on Stalk Ashley’s debut album
Stalky the Brat, which is being released on August 30 via Stalk Ashley Music LLC.

The 12-track set has Jax as executive producer with work from producers Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor, Anju Blaxx, and Mvssiah also featured.

Originally from the rural hills of Manchester, Stalk Ashley described growing up in rural Jamaica as rough.

“It was very rough; some people described the place as back a God. However, it was a learning experience. It tailored me into the person that I am today,” she disclosed.