Sumfest call-up a ‘Dream’ come true for Nation Boss

It's been a whirlwind of wins for singer Nation Boss since a 2021 freestyle went from being viral on social media to the release of his single Humans, one of the biggest songs in Jamaica last year.

He's now gearing up to make his Reggae Sumfest debut on July 23 at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex in Montego Bay, St James, and described the feeling as overwhelming.

"This has definitely been a dream of mine so this is like dream coming to reality," Nation Boss told THE STAR. "I'm definitely honoured."

He's preparing for the set through a series of rehearsals, but said: "I'm not a stage-frightened person so I think it's going to be a natural performance."

Speaking about dreams, his latest single is Dream. It is produced by 1Sysde Records. The meditative rhythm sets the tone as Nation Boss reflects on life struggles and how he's been able to improve his family's circumstances through the success of musical pursuits.

"Every ghetto youth a forward from zero and some life-changing events occurred and my way of expressing myself is through music. Masicka sent me the rhythm and at first hearing the rhythm, I only heard one thing and it was 'dreams'. So dem type a instrumental deh really speak to you if you a one music lover of my type, and I'm a very meditative person so it just sent me into a different realm and I definitely executed well."

Given name Kushi Kelly Lowe, Nation Boss forms part of the wave of new-generation acts who show their vulnerable side in their music, evident in his follow-ups like Faith, Emotions (featuring Yaksta) and Type of Pain. He steers clear of expectations to outdo himself.

"I'm just staying in my zone, doing what I do best, trying to remain focused and keep a steady mental health. We just a try elevate from here on," he said. "My music is a different type of essence. It's not really the common stuff. It's definitely a more potent type of music and it comes from a different place. We have more than one producer and we even a give some young producers a chance as well cause at the end of the day, I was given a chance and me believe seh everybody deserves a chance just the same, so we a gwaan share the energy and love same way, try do the right thing."

So does he still believe mankind is messed up as his breakout hit communicates?

"Yeah. We still a go through a phase and events keep on occurring and we still a see the same type of behaviours over and over, lessons still a learn. Mi nah really even a try rush fi fix that, mek it tek it time. We haffi allow dah numbness deh sometimes."