The dancehall arena can welcome another talented female component to the mix. Upcoming artiste Ikaya will be the first to tell you that she knows it's a competitive field to break into, but she believes with the right attitude and the right materials she will be well on her way to success.
It seems her formula is working as her first release on the Outaroad record label working with producer Skatta Burrell Good Up on the Bad Intentions riddim has been creating a buzz in the dancehall arena.
She recently shot the video for the single under the direction of Rick Elgood who directed the movie Dancehall Queen. The Video has been released on National and Cable television. She has collaborated with Beenie Man on the single "Body Good" on the Unstoppable Riddim and has also released the song "Rewind" on the Skatta's Hindu Riddim.
Ikaya love affair with singing started from an early age. The former Wolmer's Girls student has always been involved in the performing arts and now has decided to take it to the next level by bringing her talent to the musical stage.
Born in Kingston 11, Ikaya blazed onto the scene in 2001 on Capleton's "Fire" on the Martial Arts Riddim produced by Kings of Kings maestro Skatta Burrell. On the track the young Ikaya belts out an excellent hook providing a good combination to the "Fireman" when he was at his prime.
Fast forward to 2009, the Balcolm Drive native has pledged to bring quality music to her fans while at the same time honing and perfecting her talent. Not only is Ikaya a singer but she is also a prolific Deejay who has proven that she can stand up to the big boys and girls; her recent hit "Good Up" is an example of this. This was also proven by her appearance on Merciless' hit "Amber Alert". On the track the artist was sensational, blending her smooth flavour with the gritty tone of Merciless.
The singer and Deejay who graduated from The Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts in 2007 is gaining popularity on the local scene, but she also has a burgeoning fan base in North America and the Caribbean where she has opened for Capleton in Grenada and Trinidad. Ikaya has also recently appeared on Capleton's "St Mary Mi Come From" and "Champions in Action" where she performed very well and got a good response from the crowd.
Now signed to Outaroad Records, Ikaya is determined to be the next big thing in the dancehall. The Artiste has been busy in the studio working on new materials.
She will be taking a break from her studio work to make a trek to Canada where she is scheduled to perform at Nitro Da CD Sound anniversary on November 28.
The female singjay can't wait to show just what she can do. "My style is smooth reggae dancehall...I know I can make a difference...it's refreshing," Ikaya said about her approach to the music biz.