Kenn Willis finds inspiration in ‘Rainy Weather’

When it comes to songs of motivation, there are few emerging artistes who can match the ambition and force of UK-based singer Kenn Willis.

He is banking his hopes on his latest single Rainy Weather, a gem of a song carved in reggae oak.

"I was just driving from work on the motorway one day and I heard my colleague put on this beat, this reggae beat. I was just vibing to the song, the weather was gloomy and cold, and the words came to me and everybody loved the song. That reaction really encouraged me to get more serious with my music," he explained.

He released the song to rave reviews earlier this month, and the feedback has been so incredible that he will be shooting a video for it.

Growing up in St Catherine, the artiste attended Watermount All-Age School where he first got involved in music through street ministry, singing gospel standards and classics, with the support of his grandmother.

"I was always very talented and the pastor used to let me lead worship. The first few times, it was a bit scary at the time, but, you know, I developed that brave heart to do it because I really loved to perform," he reminisced.

He later migrated to live in the UK. However, his love for music never waned. In 2005, he started taking music on a different level when he started attending church again, this time worshipping at the Church of God of Prophecy in Kitto Road in London where he fine-tuned his unique reggae-gospel sound.

He released his first song, First Time, soon afterwards. Kenn Willis followed up that effort with Believing, a gospel-reggae song that wowed his peers, and stoked his belief that music was his true calling.

Inspired, he then began to experiment with different musical styles, working with well-known producers Governor Shine, Fluxi and Mafia. He also collaborated with talented musicians based at Stingray Studio in London. He was christened Kenn Willis by one of his musical associates, Governor Shine.

"When I researched the name online, I saw another 'Ken Willis', but then I just put a double N on my name and just continued with that nickname. You know, at first some people used to call me 'King Excellence', but I didn't like the name. So I'm stuck with Kenn Willis," he said. Kenn Willis has a number of projects in the pipeline, including an upcoming EP.

"I'm a multi-talented artiste. I can sing any kind of genre, my songs are sweet, meaningful, and melodic. Kenn Willis is going to take over the world, 100 per cent, no doubt," he said.