Eklypse eyes European market with new single

Eklypse is hoping to make a bigger impact this year, after making a huge statement with his 2018 collaboration, ' Cannabiss'.

The single, which features Mabrakat, was listed as the song of the year on the European Reggaeville chart and is nearing two million views on YouTube. He hopes to broaden his scope with his latest single, Rivers, produced on his Sadz Music Group label.

"It's really describing my journey to this point and I'm hoping for the best with this song," Eklypse told THE WEEKEND STAR. " Cannabiss was really a test to see what Europe wants, and I'm continuing that with this song. I also want to release my debut EP, called Rivers, but I'm waiting to see the feedback for this song first and then I decide my next move."

The 30-year-old has never been one to limit his interests or abilities. He played in the local Premier League for Arnett Gardens FC and August Town FC as a midfielder, but said he has always had a passion for music. After sustaining an injury in 2009, the entertainer, whose given name is Keneil Flowers, decided to fully engage his musical side.

"I always had a backup plan; I'd always think what would happen if I get injured and I can't play anymore," he said. "After I got injured, I didn't like the game anymore and I learnt engineering skills first. I already had my equipment, so I started a studio at my home in Nannyville. I started recording artistes like Ding Dong and Voicemail. I also got into songwriting. Then I realised the Jamaican industry doesn't give credit to songwriters, so that brought me to this point."

The transition from football to music has posed some challenges, notably financial.

"When a politician campaigns, you have to spend. So if an artiste is going to campaign, it's the same thing. You need a budget, cause a music video is like J$100,000, the lowest. After you do the video, you need to promote it and get the songs to play in the dancehall. That's a challenge, especially since I'm an independent artiste," he said.

Yet he remains motivated.

"Me want do something great and show other artistes who are complaining about the industry that you can do this without having a label. I built my own studio and when I didn't have it I'd book studio time, because it was worth it," he said.