The artiste yearning to have a positive influence on the dancehall/reggae culture, thrilled fans alongside Beenie Man, Chronic Law, Shane O, and many others from the dancehall fraternity
Yaksta, delivered an exciting performance (Rickayla Mcneil, Kaboom Media)
It was refreshing to see the immense planning and execution of an Album Launch in Jamaica; as Yaksta unveiled his 19-track titled "22" album at the 'Festival Market Place' in Downtown Kingston.
His ascendency and respect since he burst onto the scene are evident in the launch’s support from corporate Jamaica, which included Jamaica Music Society, Jamaica Association of Composers Authors & Publishers Ltd., Jamaica Reggae Industry Association, Dragon Stout, Urban Development Corporation and Hapilos Music Group.
The album launch was heavily Industry-supported by musicians who were billed to perform as well as those who simply came to support their musical brother. The likes of Beenie Man, ShaneO, Chronic Law and 10Tik were booked for the event; while Turbulence, Kabaka Pyramid, Twins of Twins, Munga Honorable, Laalee, Kranium and Nesbeth were all spotted at the event to lend their support to the artiste.
Created an exciting event (Rickayla Mcneil, Kaboom Media)
The performances were short and spicey as Shane O delivered his mega-hits such as 'Last Days' and 'Dark Room'. He proceeded to thank the fans for supporting his song 'Wicked People' which he said had now surpassed the 1.1 million mark before performing the song to a good response from the patrons. The keynote speaker; Alando Terrelonge – Minister of Culture Gender Entertainment & Sports was up next to congratulate Yaksta on his album as well as his positive influence on the culture and urged him to continue on his journey. Next to perform was 10Tik, who started with new singles, 'Biography' and 'Pick Yuh Side', before ending with the fan favorite 'Roll Deep'.
The Festival Market Place erupted as the next two performers were definitely amongst the most anticipated. First up was 'Law Boss' more popularly known as Chronic Law who paused to highlight Beenie Man, Bounty Killer & Vybz Kartel for their musical influence on him before delivering 'Bless Me', 'Nuh Frighten Fi Nuttn', 'Hillside', 'Government', 'Still A Bleed' and 'Trickster' to resounding ovations before his exit.
Being at the forefront of Dancehall for over three decades, it would be impossible for the 'Doctor' Beenie Man to perform all his classics; he proceeded to provide a musical onslaught of punch lines from a few including: 'Ole Dawg', 'Nuff Gyal', 'Romie', 'Memories', 'Who Am I', just to name a few. Beenie Man who can clearly be seen still laboring from injuries received from his recent bike accident still delivered his usual vibrant set before leaving the stage.
From Left to right: Beenie Man, Shane O, Chornic Law (Rickayla Mcneil, Kaboom Media)
The moment the patrons were all waiting on had finally arrived; entered the stage dressed in a full green leather outfit – Yaksta to massive ovations from the patrons. He performed an amazing full set with a slew of songs both from his album and some of his fans’ favorites. Songs including 'Hype & Bruk', and 'Assets' which were probably one of the major highlights of the night as he welcomed his mother on stage. He also performed hit singles 'Ambition', 'Emotions' and 'Freedom' where he was joined onstage by 10Tik for that collaboration.
10Tik, Delivered all of his hits (Rickayla Mcneil, Kaboom Media)
During his set, he repeatedly reciprocated the ideology of positive music and that he will continue to focus on that department, however, the fans were adamant that he still performed 'St. Mary (My Grung', in which he obliged in acapella style. Other songs like 'Conscious Badness' featuring Chronic Law, 'Speak' featuring Monifa, and 'Superhuman' were some of the multiple album songs that connected immediately with the fans on hand. The event escalated to new heights when Yaksta was joined onstage by Kabaka Pyramid, Kranium, Laalee, Beenie Man and Munga Honorable who all had the crowd in an atmospheric frenzy to bring the event to an end.
Production credits for Yaksta’s "22" album include Anju Blaxx, Usain Bolt, Dre Day, Marlon Easy, Wuss Muzikk, TipGod Music, Demarco, DJ Lank, and EP Records. "22" will be available on all digital platforms worldwide on February 24th, 2023, and is distributed by Hapilos Music Group.
The King electrified the place (Rickayla Mcneil, Kaboom Media)
Rising female talent, Monifa (Rickayla Mcneil, Kaboom Media)
Dancehall newcomer, Chxpazs (Rickayla Mcneil, Kaboom Media)
Yaksta, wearing a full green leather outfit (Rickayla Mcneil, Kaboom Media)
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