KENDESI.COM

Written By Kendesi Mohammed 

Kaiya, born Keshia Thomas in Guyana, is rapidly establishing herself as a rising star in the international Reggae and Afro Pop music scene. Her passion for music began at an early age, singing hymns in her neighborhood church choir and performing in school concerts.

After completing high school in Guyana, Kaiya relocated to Bridgetown, Barbados, where she committed to a professional music career. There, she received formal vocal training and immersed herself in the music industry. She has since performed with local bands in Barbados and Guyana and earned recognition in several talent competitions.

Her debut single, “You Lost Me,” was written and recorded in Barbados and released in Guyana in March 2020. Her follow-up single, “So Nice,” written by Kaiya and produced by Paradigm Audio Lab, was recorded in Guyana. She is currently collaborating with Esan Benzy, one of Guyana’s top crossover performers, on her upcoming album.

Kaiya’s international acclaim is growing. She has received nominations for Best Female Reggae Artist at the DEM ROCK MUSIC Awards in the United States in both 2022 and recently, underscoring her impact in the genre.

As an emerging artist, Kaiya continues to release Reggae lovers rock and Afro-Caribbean music, recording with Paradigm Records Guyana and collaborating on singles with other studios, including AJ Legendary and Hardball Entertainment. During a recent tour in Ghana, she collaborated with Samini, the first MOBO Africa Dancehall Artist Award winner, on the song “Feel the Vibe,” which was recorded and mastered by renowned producer Possigee.

In addition to her music, Kaiya serves as a tourism ambassador for Guyana, promoting the country’s culture and heritage. She is preparing for an exhibition in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which will include a full media tour and live performance. Back home, she is developing several projects in Guyana, including a documentary video for her song “Mama Guyana”, highlighting the nation’s tourism sector in collaboration with the Government of Guyana.

With a combination of talent, ambition, and cultural advocacy, Kaiya is positioning herself as a significant figure in Caribbean music, bringing Guyanese sounds to the global stage.

Samuel Medas is a renowned Guyanese gospel singer, songwriter, musician, and producer, whose powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics have made a significant impact in the gospel music world. Known for blending contemporary gospel with soul and Caribbean influences, Medas’ music resonates with audiences across the globe, inspiring countless listeners through his personal journey of faith and perseverance.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings
 

Medas’ musical talent emerged at a young age. He taught himself to play the piano at just five years old and began singing in Sunday school by the age of seven. His early connection to music and faith laid the foundation for a career that would span continents and genres.

A pivotal moment in his life came after surviving a near-fatal accident, which deepened his commitment to both his faith and music. This experience led him to dedicate his life to gospel music, using his platform to inspire others through his powerful songs and testimony.

Career and Rise to Fame
 

In 2008, Medas co-founded Cross Carriers, a gospel music group with his cousin Allan Petty. The group’s success allowed Medas to hone his craft before embarking on a solo career that would later solidify his place in the global gospel music scene.

His music, a blend of contemporary gospel, soul, and Caribbean rhythms, has earned him recognition not only in the Caribbean but also internationally. Medas’ songs explore themes of faith, identity, perseverance, and the love of God, offering both spiritual depth and uplifting messages that resonate with diverse audiences.

Achievements and Recognition
 

Medas’ success has been marked by several prestigious accolades. He made history as the first Guyanese gospel artist to win a Marlin Award and was named Caribbean Artiste of the Year at the Sterling Gospel Music Awards in Jamaica. His international tours have taken him across the Caribbean, the United States, Europe, and Africa, expanding his reach and influence in the gospel music community.

Discography and Notable Works
 

Medas has released several critically acclaimed albums, including Nation of Worshippers (2022), Ready (2019), Royalty (2018), Ink of Intimacy (2015), This Peculiar Journey (2014), and Heart to Heart (2012). His popular songs, such as “Royalty,” “Stronger,” “When You Respond,” and “Move,” showcase his ability to blend soulful melodies with powerful, faith-driven lyrics.

Impact and Legacy
 

As an artist and global ambassador for Guyanese talent, Samuel Medas continues to inspire listeners around the world. Through his music, he encourages others to overcome life’s challenges, pursue their dreams, and deepen their faith. His ongoing commitment to sharing his journey through song has made him a leading figure in contemporary gospel music, leaving a lasting legacy that transcends borders.

Amahla, a rising British singer-songwriter, is quickly carving out her place in the music world with her soulful voice, thoughtful songwriting, and unapologetic exploration of complex sociopolitical issues. Born and raised in Hackney, London, with Guyanese and Jamaican heritage, Amahla's music reflects both her roots and the world around her, addressing themes like race, identity, and gentrification with raw honesty and emotional depth.

Musical Beginnings and Influences

Amahla’s musical journey has been shaped by a diverse array of legendary artists, from Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone to Kendrick Lamar, Etta James, and Stevie Wonder. These influences converge in her unique sound a blend of R&B, jazz, pop, folk, and soul that feels both timeless and contemporary. Her work is often described as soulful, introspective, and deeply rooted in both the personal and the political.

Mentored by Nile Rodgers of CHIC, Amahla’s artistic development has been guided by one of the most influential figures in music. The mentorship has undoubtedly shaped her ability to craft music that resonates across genres and generations.

Career Milestones

Amahla’s debut EP, Consider This (2019), earned her critical acclaim and set the stage for a rapidly rising career. In the same year, she won the PRS Lynsey De Paul Prize for Young Songwriters, further cementing her status as a standout talent. Her success continued in 2020 with a nomination for the prestigious Ivor Novello Rising Star Award, one of the highest honors for emerging songwriters.

Her second EP, Where Do We Go From Here? (2021), was met with widespread praise, and she reached a new level of recognition when she made it to the finals of the Glastonbury Emerging Artist Competition in 2022. This led to a string of sold-out headline shows, including a highly anticipated performance at Omeara in March 2023.

In 2024, Amahla released Ooooh Honey!, a bold new project that continues her exploration of personal and societal issues while showcasing her evolving musical style.

A Voice for Change

Amahla’s music doesn’t shy away from the hard truths of the world, using her platform to shed light on issues like racial inequality and gentrification. With a sound that blends vulnerability and strength, she connects with listeners on a deeply emotional level. Whether performing live or recording in the studio, Amahla’s songs remain rooted in authenticity both musically and thematically.

Looking Ahead

With her undeniable talent and unwavering commitment to social justice, Amahla is an artist to watch as she continues to rise in the global music scene. As she crafts songs that are both classic and socially relevant, her ability to blend storytelling with soulful melodies positions her as one of the most exciting and important voices in modern music.

Timeka Marshall, the Guyanese-born reggae singer now based in Jamaica, has quietly built a name for herself as one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant and empowering voices in contemporary music. Known for her breakout hits “Bend Mi Ova,” “Winey Winey” and “Purrrfect,” Marshall is more than just a vocalist. She is a cultural force with something to say.

Born on February 14, 1989, in Georgetown, Guyana, Marshall turned 36 this year. Since stepping onto the scene, she has blended soulful melodies with the kinetic energy of dancehall and the emotional weight of reggae. Her lyrics explore themes of love, independence and self-worth, topics that resonate deeply with fans navigating personal and political challenges in the modern Caribbean.

While her music is undeniably catchy, it is Marshall’s message that elevates her artistry. Songs like “Purrrfect” do not just ride on infectious beats. They reflect a confident, self-aware narrative rarely centered in mainstream dancehall. In a genre often dominated by male voices, Marshall’s presence is both refreshing and necessary.

Now based in Jamaica, the beating heart of reggae, Marshall continues to refine her sound and expand her reach. Her performances are known for their energy and emotional depth, and she has developed a dedicated following across the Caribbean diaspora.

As reggae and dancehall continue to influence global music trends, artists like Timeka Marshall are crucial in shaping the genre’s evolution. They anchor it in authenticity while pushing it forward with bold and personal storytelling.

Red Café, the Guyanese American rapper who emerged from Brooklyn’s vibrant hip-hop scene in the late 1990s, has long played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of contemporary rap both on and off the mic. A founding member of the short-lived group Da Franchise, Red Café was signed early on to Violator, the influential management company known for representing heavyweights like Busta Rhymes, LL Cool J, and Missy Elliott.

Though Da Franchise disbanded, Red Café remained with Violator and quietly built a name for himself as a ghostwriter. Among his most notable contributions is crafting Diddy’s verse on Busta Rhymes’ 2002 chart-climbing single “Pass the Courvoisier Part II,” a moment that hinted at Red Café’s ear for rhythm and lyrical punch.

In the years that followed, he signed with Akon’s Konvict Muzik and Interscope Records, later merging that deal with Bad Boy Records. Despite the long delay of his intended debut album The Shakedown, Red Café’s presence in hip-hop has been anything but dormant.

Over the past two decades, he has dropped a steady stream of club anthems and street-certified mixtapes, collaborating with artists such as Fabolous, Rick Ross, and Ryan Leslie. His singles “Hottest in the Hood,” “I’m Ill,” and “Fly Together” not only became staples in DJ sets but also underscored his talent for crafting hooks that stick and verses that resonate.

While his name may not always be front and center, Red Café remains a trusted contributor to the genre. He is an uncredited architect behind the scenes and a relentless creative force in front of the mic. In an industry where longevity is rare, Red Café’s enduring output cements his reputation as, undeniably, a musical hit making machine.

Jahdan Blakkamoore is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and producer whose music defies easy categorization. Seamlessly blending elements of reggae, dancehall, hip hop, and electronic music, Blakkamoore has become a quietly influential figure in contemporary music with a career spanning more than two decades.

Born in Georgetown, Guyana and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Blakkamoore’s sound is rooted in the Caribbean traditions of his youth and shaped by the urban rhythms of New York’s dynamic hip hop and dancehall scenes. His work is marked by lyrical consciousness, rhythmic innovation, and a refusal to be confined by genre.

A founding member of the reggae fusion group Noble Society, Blakkamoore has also established a solo career with critically praised releases including Buzzrock Warrior (2009), Babylon Nightmare (2010), Order of Distinction (2015), and Upward Spiral (2020). Each project showcases his evolving artistry and his ability to navigate between roots reggae and cutting-edge global sounds.

Blakkamoore’s collaborative reach is extensive. He has recorded with artists ranging from hip hop producers DJ Premier and Dead Prez to the jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis under his earlier moniker Blackheart Scavenger. He also appeared on a remix and in the video for Smif N Wessun’s “Sound Bwoy Bureill.” His work with Diplo’s Major Lazer project introduced him to a global audience, culminating in his prominent role as a songwriter and featured vocalist on Snoop Lion’s reggae-inspired album Reincarnated, which received a Grammy nomination in 2014. The single “Lighters Up,” which features Blakkamoore’s vocals, became one of the project’s standout tracks.

Whether performing solo, collaborating with high-profile artists, or writing behind the scenes, Jahdan Blakkamoore remains a vital and visionary figure. His work continues to amplify diasporic voices and push the boundaries of modern music, grounded in a message of resilience, identity, and cultural pride.