by Howard Campbell
It is the norm in contemporary music to blend genres and expand an artist’s base. RotaneanKid called on the Nigerian Afrobeat to do just that.
RotaneanKid is a singjay from the island of Roatan. For Bae, his latest song, he reached out to Nigerian Afrobeat star Ric Hassani.
Bae also has a Jamaican dancehall flavor and the Latin beats of Roatan, which is located off the coast of Honduras. This marriage of sounds has paid off, according to RotaneanKid.
“I am still surprised about the way the song is moving in my country, ‘cause it’s a different genre for me and to see my people show so much love it means a lot,” said the US-based artist.
RotaneanKid added that he has known Ric Hassani for two years, but it was not until the latter performed in his homeland this year that they agreed to collaborate on a song that hailed their influences.
“I had the record, told Ric about it. He loved the idea, and as fate would have it, he had a show coming up Roatan and the rest is history,” he disclosed.
Because of his Afro-Jamaican heritage, RotaneanKid developed an early appreciation for reggae and dancehall. Vybz Kartel, Gyptian and Jahmiel are some of his favorite artists, so too Salsa and Merengue, percussive beats synonymous with Latin America.
His career started 10 years ago as a member of Young Hustlerz. As a solo act, RotaneanKid reached out to other genres such as dancehall, and has recorded with top Jamaican producer Christopher Birch whose long list of credits include songs by Cherine Anderson, Elephant Man and Vershon.
RotaneanKid’s approach on Bae follows advice his parents gave him as a boy.
“My Dad taught me that if you work hard, you can achieve anything. But if you sit and expect it to come, it may never reach, while my mother taught me self-discipline, and how making the right decisions now can benefit you in the long run,” he said.
