What started out as simply having fun has jump-started the musical career of Portland-based singer Hope Vocals.

A few months ago the proud descendant of the Windward Maroons from Moore Town in Portland captured national attention when a video of her performing a Kumina-inspired medley on the Hill and Gully rhythm went viral on social media.

The performance eventually caught the attention of producer Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor, who pursued the singer to officially record on the project. This led to the official recording of Kumina Medley (Walk in Deh), which has opened multiple doors for the emerging artiste.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer’s Splash on Thursday, Hope Vocals said did not expect the Kumina Medley would have blown up the way that it did.

“I never envisioned it, not at all. Not to this extent. I was simply having fun, being my authentic self,” Hope Vocals shared.

She said that her admiration for McGregor and his musical creativity led to her decision to voice on his beat.

“Di Genius is an extremely talented producer… He saw the vision and he knew that this could be one of the songs that would allow his rhythm to be long-lasting. For a Portland native, all of this attention that I am now receiving means everything. This is a big win for not only me, but my parish also. Portland is known for its beautiful scenery. Now, Jamaica and the wider Diaspora can see that Portland has a lot more to offer,” Hope Vocals reasoned.

When it was first released commercially, the Hill and Gully rhythm faced some criticised because some of the songs emanating were sexually explicit. However, Hope Vocals decided that she would contribute something more meaningful to the project.

“Spreading positivity through music has always been one of my main objectives in this life. I grew up learning the importance of my culture and I was taught to respect it. Everything has its own crowd, and I am staying in my lane, even if it’s empty,” she said.

Since the release of the official video for Kumina Medley (Walk in Deh) last week it has racked up more than 165,000 views on YouTube, while garnering significant airplay on most radio stations locally.

Former broadcaster and lecturer Fae Ellington, who has publicly shared her concerns and views about some of the inappropriate songs featured on the Hill and Gully rhythm, has thrown her support behind Kumina Medley (Walk in Deh).

“I have the utmost respect for Auntie Fae. She has done so much to preserve our country’s culture over the years. It feels amazing knowing that she is proud of me for my contribution to the preservation of the culture. She messaged me on social media and said, ‘You go, girl! From I saw your first post with you playing drum and blowing the abeng, you touched my spirit.’ Those were motivating words from Auntie Fae,” she said.

Hope Vocals, whose real name is Lomorra Dillon, attended Happy Grove High School in Portland. She later studied at the HEART/NSTA Trust in the parish.

“Music has always been my calling,” she told Splash. “I was always business-minded too. I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur. I studied business subjects and passed successfully.”

The singer also expressed gratitude to everyone who helped bring the project to life.

“I want to sincerely thank Stephen ‘Di Genius’ McGregor for giving me the opportunity to share my culture with the world through this project. I also want to thank Shane Creative for doing an amazing job on the video, my management team at The Reggae PR Agency for their hard work and dedication, and most importantly my fans. The love, encouragement, and support you have shown me throughout this journey means everything. This success belongs to all of us, and I am truly grateful,” she said.

Managed by The Reggae PR Agency under the leadership of veteran publicist and producer Ralston Barrett, Hope Vocals continues to build a loyal fan base while attracting increasing attention from media personalities, cultural influencers, and industry stakeholders.

According to Barrett, the response to the song confirms that there remains a strong appetite for authentic Jamaican music and culture.

“From the beginning, we knew Hope Vocals had something unique to offer. The response to both the song and video has been outstanding, and we’re encouraged by the support from radio, media, and fans locally and internationally. This is a proud moment not only for Hope Vocals but for Jamaican culture as a whole,” Barrett said.

Hope Vocals is set to release the follow-up singles Warrior and God’s Timing.

The Hill and Gully rhythm has so far scored chart-topping hits, including Woii by Valiant, Slip N Slide by Masicka, and Gi Gyal Money by Shaneil Muir.