Dancehall artiste Koya Blacks is encouraging the youth to rise above their circumstances and not let them dictate their future.

Through his lyrics, he emphasises the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges, inspiring youngsters to believe in their potential and to strive for success despite any obstacles they may encounter.

Koya Black’s latest single
Circumstances, released earlier this month, was produced by Tar Mac Records.

“The inspiration for
Circumstances came about based on how rough it was growing up as a youth in Jamaica. I grew up with the ideology that the first food that goes into your mouth you have to hunt for it. From when I was 16 years old I had to hustle for money to go to school and put food in mamma’s pot. When I was 17, I even worked as a security guard,” Koya Blacks, who hails from Southborough in Portmore, St Catherine, told the
Jamaica Observer.

The artiste, currently residing in Florida, articulated that the advent of social media and advancements in technology have significantly simplified the process for musicians to promote their work on a global scale.

“Times have changed. You can stay in Florida and promote your music effectively. I believe an artiste can live overseas and get a big break. Look at Kranium, for example, his track
Nobody Has To Know was released over a year before getting attention in Jamaica, but was being heavily rotated in New York and on social media. On the other hand, you still must do street work like you are in Jamaica if you want to break from overseas,” he said.

Koya Blacks, whose given name is Devon Vernon, expressed his admiration for the work ethic of Vybz Kartel and expressed a desire to collaborate with the renowned entertainer in the future.

“The youths today should strive to emulate Vybz Kartel’s exemplary work ethic and commitment. Having spent time in the studio with him, I have witnessed his relentless effort and daily recording sessions. His dedication has undoubtedly contributed to his current success,” he opined.