Damion Hype focussed on clarity

Damion 'Damion Hype' Lumsden believes that the positive messages in Jamaica's reggae and dancehall music are not being communicated in a way for the global audience to understand.

Having studied in the US, he said he was able to observe the way people consume both reggae and dancehall and would often hear persons ask the meaning of the lyrics.

"It shouldn't be the first thing people want to know. Our music has a lot of slangs and that's partly what makes it unique but we should be able to educate them at the same time," he said.

Damion Hype said that he grew up watching the way his father, who performed with a live band for hotels across Jamaica, connected with an audience, and felt motivated to follow a similar path and become a recording artiste.

He said, "My father mainly did covers of the greats like Beres Hammond, but people were always in tune with whatever he performed. He played a big role in me doing music. I grew up hearing stories about him as well as Louie Culture, who is another major influence, and how engaging they were with a wide audience. I was still young when I had that defining moment...and a wise man said 'you have a unique voice and style, this is what the business needs'."

Even while living in America, Damion Hype never abandoned his dream of becoming a recording artiste who could share his culture in a way that was easily understood.

"I make most of my music so that people don't have to fight to hear the message, there is clarity. My primary focus is usually on finding the right reggae, dancehall or fusion beat and when I record on it, it still maintains its 'Jamaicanness'. They hear my accent but also will applaud me for clarity and better pronunciation of the words and phrases," he explained.

He hails Popcaan as an artiste of his generation who, although he utilises a lot of slang, has managed to engage a large international audience through his music and story.

"Seeing persons like Popcaan, who I attended school with, connect with the people and stay true to our culture is motivation. Knowing his struggle and seeing how he flourished - to actually know his story - he's literally a walking motivation for anyone that knows hard life," he said.

Damion Hype has released several tracks including Above Di Wata and Identity and even secured a collaboration with Big Boogie, a Memphis-based rapper on Yo Gotti's CMG record label.

"I was told a few times by complete strangers that my purpose in life is to impact people. I just want to continue using my voice and my platforms to do just that. I'm not in a rush to put out more music. I am, however, eyeing Jamaican producers like Not Nice and Anju Blaxx whose quality of work speak to me, and will understand my focus on clarity," Damion Hype said.