BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE entertainment industry in St. Kitts and Nevis has increased yet again with the entrance of a young and enterprising artiste from Boyd’s Village.
He is 20-year-old Kemarri ‘KJah’ Armstrong, whose voice and lyrical astuteness are behind a new catchy Soca tune called ‘Riddim Up’.
Unfortunately, this young man’s debut in the musical section of the entertainment industry was ‘bruised’, following his elimination as a finalist in the Soca Monarch Competition.
Kajh however declared that he already has a song prepared for next year’s competition and he would be coming stronger, based on the experience he recently gained.
He said the song is already penned and could be changed to suit whatever major topic, incident or issue surfaces in the New Year, but “it just depends on how I’m feeling when that times comes around”.
KJah is the brother of popular national artiste Makeila ‘MiMi’ Armstrong, who is also known as ‘Mousey’. Both of them are members of the Royaltiez Band, in which she is the star vocalist and he the drummer.
Still reminiscing on his elimination, KJah informed that the judges said his tune was “non-competitive material”, but he describes it as a “fun song”; a song for people of all ages.
He said, “The song is about Carnival…dancing and what happens around the Carnival season. I think it is universal when it comes to partying, and the song can be played in any party session.”
‘Riddim Up’ was dually produced in AU Browne’s Mixing Launch in Sandy Point and also at KJah’s home.
He explained that Azem Bailey and Ricky McCall did the base and guitar on the track, respectively, and that the former also did the mixing and mastering.
He was high in praise of popular national artiste Rolhensha ‘Rolhy’ Henry, whom he thanked for providing backup vocals and also for her overall support.
Asked what his reaction was following the judges’ decision, KJah said, “I was shocked at first, but that’s how life is. If the judges decide something, that’s how it goes.”
KJah revealed that he first found out about his elimination during a meeting held last week.
“I was disappointed. Everyone else on the island thinks it’s a good song. What the judges say compared to the word on the street is conflicting. But I have taken what the judges said and I would continue to make sweet sounding music.”
A past student of the Basseterre High School, KJah was active in his school’s band playing the tuba, saxophone, drums and keyboard.
The school band was directed by well-known music specialist Wingrove Hicks.
KJah, who, for some six months in this year, was a drummer in the Untitled Band, declared that choosing a career in music was a challenge to him.
“It was just the challenge of coming out of my comfort zones. I really just want to challenge myself in terms of performing and entertaining. It’s actually putting myself to the test by pushing myself instead of criticising other performers to take up such an exciting challenge.”
“Music inspires me day in and day out”, he added.
KJah performed his tune at the recently held Infamus Concert at 17 Degrees on Saturday (Dec. 15) and noted that “everybody was well entertained and I got a lot of love”.
He also opened up about his experience at the Carnival Fete held at Potential last week Saturday.
KJah admitted that he was a bit nervous but did calm down, adding that “his performance could have been better and there’s room for improvement, but it was still a great experience nonetheless”.
Asked about some of his influences in the music industry, KJah said it is rather “difficult because it’s a nonstop list”. He however named Infamus, Wiz Kalifah and Bob Marley.
KJah pointed out that he would like to work with the iRepSKN Music Group in terms “of having some support as a new artiste. I admire that Group a lot. I like what they do for the artistes that they manage and I would definitely like to have that kind of guidance and support. I’m prepared to put out a lot of work and determination should I be afforded the opportunity with that group”.
He informed that he is “constantly writing songs. I’ve already written songs that I have to put music to. Making music is time consuming but it is fun”.
As it relates to other genres, KJah explained that “I’m currently experimenting with dancehall tunes. I also love to freestyle, rap and Hip Hop. So that’s something I’ll try to incorporate. Additionally, I’ll even try feel out the R&B genre”.
Interested person can download ‘Riddim Up’ on: http://soundcloud.com/kjah-armstrong/riddim-up and https://www.box.com/files/0/f/0/1/f_5192521690
It can also be viewed on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waR4z68T0Tk.
KJah’s fans pages can be found via: http://www.facebook.com/KjahImStrong and https://twitter.com/kjah09
The young artiste told SKNVibes that a “couple of international radio stations” have been showing interest in ‘Riddim Up’.
Two of these radio stations are Soca FM (London) and Large Radio Dot.com in Miami.
