Afro-dancehall artiste intends to make an impact on Jamaica

Jamaican-Nigerian entertainer Heph B is one of many Vybz Kartel fans ,but says that unlike most, he is the 'real deal', an ode to one of the artiste's hits.

"With a Jamaican father, reggae has been at the top of my playlists, and music was part of my youth. Growing up, I listened to Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Desmond Dekker; and in 2003, I grew to love dancehall with the influence of Vybz Kartel," he told THE STAR.

"The popular 2004 release Real Deal is the first song of his that I heard, and I wanted to sound just like him. I ended up getting a lot of my mentoring from him," Heph B continued.

A musician first, Heph B, given name Peter Odunade, played the drums and piano before he transitioned to writing and recording lyrics at age 16.

Based in Houston, Texas, the Linkupbwoy hitmaker continues to solidify his brand within the global Afro-dancehall community. He was named Best Afro-dancehall Artiste at the 2019 Music Love Awards in Los Angeles, California, and Best Dancehall/Pop Artiste of 2020 at the HONORS Awards in Houston, Texas. For 2021, he was nominated for Best Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year with his hit single Best Feeling, and Best Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year in Ghana. Other nominees included Burna Boy, Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale.

With his loyal fan base showing growth across much of Africa, Europe and the UK with each release, Heph B is aiming for a breakthrough in the Caribbean, particularly Jamaica where dancehall was birthed.

"It's my wish to show Jamaicans that we are one people. They know our roots are connected with Africa, but I want my style of music to show them that our sound has no boundaries," Heph B said.

His tracks vary from dance-ready, conscious offerings to love ballads. He owes the greater part of his recognition to the success of Best Feeling, he said, and has followed it with Hide, the lead single off his album AMARII. The song peaked in the number one position on the South African Reggae Chart, while the album made it to number 14 on the US World Music Chart.

"I want my music to spread across a wider audience; it shows who I am with my style and sound, but it is also relatable," he said. "The inspiration behind it is expressing the feelings when you are in love with someone; not to hide their feelings away, but to show it."

Heph B said it's been four years since he visited Jamaica, but that he plans to return this Easter.

"There are a few Jamaican artistes featured on the AMARII album, including Lavisch and Qraig Voicemail. So we are eyeing opportunities to work on music videos for the songs. And there are other local artistes whose friendship I've earned, and who I will be working with on collaborations," Heph B said.