Kwame Ultimate wants more respect for reggae

On his new single I Am Reggae Muzik, recording artiste Kwame Ultimate calls for more respect for the genre.

"The song is about our musical culture and what it represents at its core, despite repeated bouts of marginalisation. This music of ours which has spawned and influenced so many genres, simply isn't getting due respect," the artiste said.

The song will be featured on his upcoming album, and the artiste is focused on getting the message across as effectively as possible.

"The lyrics are about our life, so I'm not necessarily depending on 'likes' or 'views', as I highlight in the song. I just want to make sure my fans understand the meaning and enjoy the vibe," the artiste said.

Currently based in the UK, Kwame Ultimate has been involved in music since childhood.

"My music is original reggae-dancehall music. It still speaks of Garvey, Africa, love, ghetto reality, and hope for better tomorrows. I'm a poet at heart, so my music is very lyrical," he expressed.

Originally from Trench Town in St Andrew, his focus is on getting the authentic sound out to the world, to receive the recognition and respect it deserves. He lamented that reggae is now grouped in the Caribbean music category at the MOBO Awards.

"Meanwhile, the genres it (reggae) birthed, rap, grime and Afrobeat, to name a few, are, as they should, accorded full prominence. Reggae and dancehall need their own spaces," the artiste stated.

His releases include Cocaine and Hello Poochiloo, which charted in the '90s in the UK.

"For me, the future's looking bright. I'm already recording many more songs, and a tour of Kenya and Ghana is in the pipeline. Also, I'm currently completing volume one of my book of poems, Blowing my Abeng," the artiste revealed.