Haitian singer finds success in Jamaica

After getting a number one song in Jamaica, Haitian-American singer Kevens plans to release a follow-up to his hit song, Legal Dreamers, in early 2024.

Legal Dreamers topped the Jamaica Music Countdown Reggae Chart for two weeks before being replaced by Christopher Martin's Goodness of God last week. Kevens' song, which addresses the dilemma of undocumented migrants at the United States' southern border, is currently number two in its 24th week on that table.

Snaring a number one song in Jamaica is a major achievement for Kevens, who lives in South Florida where he grew up listening to Jamaican music.

"Being number one makes me feel like I've discovered some new super power, and now aiming to break world records," he said. "I embraced the spirit of the reggae culture like it was my own, and reaching this height humbles and verifies that I have been on the right track all along."

Kevens, who also has Guadeloupean heritage, was raised in Miami. That is where he discovered the music of Yellowman, Josey Wales, Super Cat and sound systems such as Stur Gav. Most of his songs, including Legal Dreamers, are in the EDM vein. Prior to his solo career, Kevens was a member of Le Coup, a reggae band that also had Bob Marley's brother Richard as a member.

"I have a few follow-up songs, but there is a new one I am almost finished recording that I find myself singing day and night. God willing, come January I will put out that follow-up song and it'll be another surprise," he said.