After his impressive debut at Sumfest, rising dancehall sensation Kaka Highflames reflected on his journey, motivated the ghetto youths, and shared plans for upcoming hit releases
Kaka Highflames, paving his way to dancehall stardom (Photo: Cavaughn Edwards)
In the heart of Kingston, where music and dance pulse through daily life, rising dancehall sensation Kaka Highflames began his journey, leading him to a pivotal moment as he debuted on the Reggae Sumfest stage. Transitioning from a passionate dancer to an emerging music talent, his performance, sponsored by Magnum Tonic Wine, highlighted his determination and unyielding spirit.
Growing up in the bustling community of Waterhouse and later moving to Portmore’s Phoenix Park, Kaka Highflames (born Omario Brown) found his love for dance at just 10 years old. “Dancing has always been a part of me, but I was reserved,” the dancer-turned-deejay shared.
Kaka Highflames, "The TikTok challenge opened doors" (Photo: Cavaughn Edwards)
Over the years, he shed his shyness and developed a passion for football, often wearing a jersey with his favorite player, FIFA World Cup Champion Ricardo Kaká of Brazil, on the back. His talent quickly blossomed, as he danced across football fields and created viral dance challenges on TikTok, including the popular routine for Squash’s "Ambala" hit, which took off while he was a student at Kingston College.
"The TikTok challenge opened doors. Sooner than later, Team Highflames was formed with my friends and the more positive feedback received, especially from my colleagues and my teachers, the more motivation it provided to continue. We even entered Dancing Dynamites and placed fifth in the competition,” Kaka said. “In 2023, after graduating Kingston College, I decided to play with recording music to complement the dance moves the team and I created.”
Kaka Highflames' debut track, "Slingshot," became a major hit among Gen Z. His follow-up, "Flamez Rock," gained recognition in the dancehall industry, with seasoned dancers and artists incorporating its routines into their music videos and stage performances.
Kaka Highflames continues to expand his catalog with high-energy, dance-themed tracks like "Drop It," "Learn Fi Dance," and "Badman Rock." His single "Chaarge" pays homage to the influence and power of Magnum Tonic Wine. Drawing inspiration from international R&B stars for his dance and performance style, as well as dancehall legends like Bogle, Elephant Man, and Ding Dong, Kaka has carved out a unique space in the music industry. His fashion and music reflect his vibrant personality and commitment to bringing fun and energy back to dancehall, a spirit that was evident in his Reggae Sumfest performance.
"I want every ghetto youth to know there is a star inside of them waiting to shine, and that it’s also okay to be different"
Kaka first experienced the premier reggae music festival in 2023, performing alongside Roze Don. This year, he returned with a new role as a recording artist, supported by his dynamic Team Highflames. “Performing on that stage was amazing and I’m appreciative of how my team put in the work,” Kaka said with eyes gleaming with excitement. “Seeing the crowd’s reaction…I mean, I didn’t expect to get so much love from the patrons as it was my first time as an artiste. To be honest, our approach for the Reggae Sumfest was not to over-prepare because I didn’t want my routine to look robotic. For me it meant an opportunity to learn and grow. Overall, it was a great experience to be featured on the same night Magnum had its 25th Anniversary segment featuring Voicemail and Ding Dong, who have paved the way for talents like me.”
His goal was to convey a message of individuality and dancehall’s resilience. Looking ahead, Kaka is determined to revive the dance era in dancehall. “I want every ghetto youth to know there is a star inside of them waiting to shine, and that it’s also okay to be different. We don’t have to follow the same style and lyrics as other artistes. I may be young but everyone would agree, there’s no dancehall without the dancing - I want to contribute to carrying back the fun and championing that energy inna dancehall,” Kaka remarked passionately.
The rising entertainer’s journey has been marked by significant achievements and collaborations with notable artistes such as Skeng and Ding Dong. He is currently getting ready for the release of Scoop with Skeng and Jump featuring both Skeng and Ding Dong. Kaka Highflames and Team Highflames are not just focused on music, but about making a difference one dance move at a time. Alongside his music career, Kaka also has aspirations to fulfill a career in the real estate industry.
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