Ikaya is ‘God’s Favourite’ following musical challenges

Despite not being on the local scene for some time, musical powerhouse Ikaya said she remains consistent despite years of difficulties.

She is now "thrilled" at finding what she thinks is a hit single, God's Favourite, which is featured on Usain Bolt's recently released Sweet 7 Riddim album.

"The music industry has taught me a lot and one thing I've learned is that it's not always about talent. Unfortunately, it's often about who has the most resources. As an artiste, I've had to navigate these challenges and find ways to reach my audience despite the limitations. Despite this, I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had," Ikaya told THE STAR.

"While I may not have been as visible on the local event scene, I've been busy still doing shows, creating and sharing new content with my audience. The feature on the Sweet 7 album was a great opportunity for me to reach an even wider audience and I'm grateful for the love and support I've received," she said

Her recent single Tek Him trended on TikTok and racked up four million views on YouTube. She has also been remaining relevant with her other tracks such as Mi General and Blood on Your Hands.

Though her challenges have been daunting she started in the industry, the Hard Way singer said with faith in God and by remaining true to her morals, she has maintained her integrity and space in music.

"With the rise of social media, streaming and shifting consumer habits, adapting and evolving without compromising my creative vision has been crucial. [However], by striking a balance between evolution and staying true to myself, I ensure that my art remains a genuine reflection of myself and my values. This stance has allowed me to navigate the challenges and continue growing as an artiste, creating work that is meaningful and impactful," she said.

Ikaya said God's Favourite was inspired "during a dark period of struggling with depression".

"I was feeling lost and hopeless, and it seemed like the darkness was closing in. But in that moment, I remembered the promise that I am loved and chosen by God and that gave me the strength to keep going. The song is a testament to the power of faith and the hope that we are never alone, even in our darkest moments," she said.

"I wanted to craft a message that would resonate deeply with listeners, reminding them to hold on to hope and never lose faith, even in the darkest moments. My hope is that this album will be a beacon of light, inspiring people to find strength in their struggles and to keep pushing forward," Ikaya added.

The Fly Away artiste shared that she was beyond thrilled and honoured when she got the call to be a part of Bolt's project.

"Working with Usain Bolt and his team was an incredible experience. I've always admired his dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence, and to be a part of a project that combined music and inspiration was a thrill. When I heard the riddim and started writing God's Favourite, I knew it was going to be something special. The energy and vibe of the project were infectious, and I felt grateful to be a part of it," she said.

She continued, "With so many people going through tough times and needing inspirational and motivational songs to keep them going, I felt a deep connection to this project.".

She promised the release of upcoming new music/collaborations and shows, as she anticipates the launch of her 1 Soul clothing line and her recording label, 1 Soul Music Group.

"This label is a dream come true and I'm thrilled to finally have a space where I can nurture and showcase talent, push boundaries, and challenge the status quo," she said.