Valiant and 10Tik bat for ‘Gen Z artistes’

Though their sounds are often criticised as 'inaudible,' dancehall artistes Valiant and 10Tik said the new generation of musicians are gifted youngsters who are shifting the musical landscape and prolonging the legacy set by pioneers.

"It's not [much] different because we're trying to do what the [foundation] artistes did, but in a different sound, because the younger generation has a different ear to music now. So we're singing what the younger generation wants to hear now," Valiant told THE STAR while urging the public to "continue supporting Jamaica's new generation of artistes".

His statements came in light of the musical camaraderie involving many of Jamaica's "youngest and hottest" artistes to bring the recently held Sashi Festival to a dramatic finale on Saturday. The event saw the display of creativity, high energy and a composition of witty lyrics on full display as the 'Gen Z creatives' including Rajah Wild, Kraff, Bayka and Najeeriii were joined by 10Tik and Valiant. 10Tik opined that in the earlier days, the music was all about dancing and vibrancy.

"Dat is what mi see the younger generation coming with now. I'm more like dancehall soul. Mi is the heart addi dancehall, di soul addi city. Me speak wid emotions about fear, pain, joy and dem ting deh and mi just stay inna dat bracket and as a young artiste, that's what make the world say '10Tik'," he said.

"Music is a part of my life suh when mi a sing mi just a express my life; mi just a live a part of me, mi naah really try impress nobody. [My music] is a soul connection, that's what make us one suh mi just a build a soul connection," he added.

Both artistes expressed delight about being a memorable part of the Sashi experience. 10Tik said that the Sashi crowd accepted him well.

"Suh mi give thanks fi perform and it's a good thing fi perform fi mi country and mek dem know seh 10Tik and the other young artistes is about some good music," he shared. The singjay created a stir when he introduced his set with Ciara and Chris Brown's track, How We Roll, to segue into his popular hit, Roll Deep. He also shared that his upcoming album will "change the course of dancehall and reggae history". The 14-track project will also feature several collaborations with reggae and dancehall acts such as Bounty Killer.

As it relates to new music, Valiant promised to touch on the reggae and international scenes as he aims to explore various sound.

"I'm trying to go into other things because people always a expect certain things from me. Suh mi a try fi go inna different things just fi mek dem know seh mi have dah style deh too. Definitely for [Reggae] Sumfest we're tryna do it a little differently this year, because we have a lot young generational and foundation artistes inna di ting," he said. Valiant is also set to release a new EP this year.