On Hey Gyal, deejay Najgee tests his vocals on a soca-influenced beat created by producer Kirk Bennett. Since launching his professional career nine years ago, he has welcomed opportunities to step outside of the dancehall zone.

Hey Gyal was released in June by Kirkledove Records. For Najgee, standing out from his peers is important.

“The difference between Najgee’s sound and other artistes is that when yuh listen to my songs, you get a different vibe from each one. It is very important to be unique because music itself is,” he said.

For Hey Gyal, he found a likeminded collaborator in Bennett, reggae’s leading session drummer who has established himself as a producer. He has directed hit songs by Mr Vegas (Tek wey Yuhself) and Elephant Man (Yuh Too Bad Mind).

“I am always willing to explore new riddims and try new flows,” said Najgee, who is from Stony Hill in St Andrew.

Hey Gyal has a different flavour from his recent songs which include the risque Come sid Dung and 10 Outta, hardcore dancehall cuts produced by Most Wanted Records and Cornelius Records, respectively.

It marks Najgee’s second appearance on a soca-type jam. In 2022, he contributed Party Time to Most Wanted Records’ Inviting EP.

– Howard Campbell