At 18 years of age dancehall artiste Natebadz is very concerned about the direction of the local music industry.

“Mi just waa the infighting among some artistes to stop. The whole a wi a try reach someweh and take our careers to the international market. The generation of artistes nuh need fi a war,” Natebadz told the Jamaica Observer in an interview recently.

Natebadz is the younger brother of dancehall star Popcaan. Their mother, affectionately known as Miss Rhona, wanted him to pursue a career in gospel music. But he had other plans.

“I love music overall, and mi love listen music from mi young. When mi a go school, mi used to write songs and perform for the other students, and that’s where it really began. My family was welcoming when they realised I wanted to do music, but my mother, Miss Rhona, she didn’t fight it, but she say do gospel music. Gospel was always played in the home,” said Natebadz.

The artiste, whose real name is Nathan Martinez, was born in Cayman but came to Jamaica as a toddler.

He attended Stella Maris Preparatory and then St George’s College, where he played midfield on the school’s football team.

Earlier this year, he released the song Warrior, which features Popcaan. The official video has racked up more than 2.8 million views on YouTube.

A few weeks ago he dropped his latest single Life Set, which was produced by TJ Records and Unruly Entertainment.

“I plan to carve out my own path in music. Mi just a do mi own ting with the support of my brother and my other family members, but we are all on our own paths. I feel like all a wi different. Dem drive mi and dem push mi,” Natebadz reasoned.

In late July, Natebadz performed alongside Popcaan at Unruly Fest and Reggae Land, both of which were held in the UK.

He is quite upbeat about both events.

“Mi never did nervous, even though the crowd did big. Is like the more people mi see the more mi waan go out deh go do my thing and shell the stage. It was a good energy and you have to have a presence and control the crowd. When mi a grow up mi used to blast the music inna mi room and perform by meself to help build up mi confidence,” said Natebadz.

Asked what he believes is an important quality that any artiste needs to success, he said: “Personality. You haffi know how to connect with the people and give dem what dem want. A really your fans and supporters build you.”

Natebadz is presently attending The University of the West Indies, Mona, where he studies business administration.

“I want to know and understand the business side of the music industry. I been balancing school and music, so I make time for the both of them,” Natebadz shared.

Natebadz is working on an EP, which he says will feature collaborations with international artistes.

“I want to make music to impact the people. Music should be relatable,” he said.