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In early 2013, a then 19-year-old dancehall artiste using the moniker Masicka, was referred to by keen observers in the music business as “The Future”. Fast forward 12 years later to 2025 and Masicka is definitely “The Now”. The dancehall mega star is one of the highlights of Reggae Sumfest where he is scheduled to perform tonight at the Catherine Hall Stadium in Montego Bay, and his legions of fans are simply holding their collective breaths, waiting to exhale as he gives another of his memorable performances.
Born Javaun Fearon on December 4, Masicka is a proud product of Portmore, the same St Catherine area that artistes like Vybz Kartel and Demarco call home. A man of mighty words, Masicka’s slick use of wordplay – whether he is lamenting the struggle or uplifting the youth in particular with empowering commentary – is at the core of his hit songs, and this is one of the elements that have endeared him to the masses.
It was in 2010 that Masicka released the hard-hitting Guh Haad and Done which was fully embraced by dancehall fans and marked a significant turning point in a career that would see him signing to international label Def Jam and making an indelible mark as he continues to write his own defining chapter dancehall history. At the time, Tunji Balogun, chairman and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, had this to say: “Representing the new wave of Jamaican dancehall and reggae, Masicka’s versatility and unique sonic perspective has the potential to impact markets all over the world. It feels like the beginning of something very special.”
Masicka’s début album, 438, which was released on December 3, 2021, would set the record as “the dancehall project with the longest album streak on the Apple Music Jamaica Daily Chart”. For an unbelievable 85 weeks, 438, would hold sway in the Top 10, as it racked up an impressive and prolonged sales streak in pure album sales and on-demand streams. A huge social media presence contributed to him earning a subscriber award from YouTube for flying past one million subscribers.
This week, 5 Questions With... had a chance to hol’ a reasoning with the man who is recognised as “a significant force in the modern dancehall scene”.
1. In 2023 fans hailed your Sumfest performance as the best of the night and commended your clarity, control, range, and crowd engagement. What does your preparation for Reggae Sumfest entail?
I try to always remain calm and not think about it too much until I hit the stage. Just let my energy flow [and] stay positive.
2. Did a teenage Javaun Fearon, who used to knock desks in high school, and chill with friends while listening to old dancehall music, dream of being on Reggae Sumfest?
I was a dreamer, all my friends can attest to that. I always saw myself being a great musician, so I used to sit and watch Sumfest, hoping one day I could be on that stage.
3. Since enjoying immense success, share with us one of those moments when you needed to pinch yourself to make sure it’s real.
Everyday is a moment like that. Reaching this level in my career and doing what I love, travelling the world, taking care of my family... trust me ...every day I have to pinch my self. But if I should choose one [moment] it would definitely be after the release of 438; the feedback was overwhelming.
4. How did you get the name Masicka, and do you agree with Koffee that “right now nobody nuh sicker, except the one Masicka ”?
I got the name from the 50 Cent album. I am a huge 50 Cent fan [and] one of my aunts gave me a CD player and the 50 Cent album The Massacre as a Christmas gift. [It] changed my life. Of course Koffee know what she [is] saying ... nobody sicker right now.
5. What does it mean for you to be an ambassador for 1syde, and what is your message?
1syde is family. We represent ambitious hard-working devoted youths. Leaders.
BRAWTA
Share with us one thing that people would be surprised to know about Masicka.
I wanted to be a fighter ... UFC/boxing [Ultimate Fighting Championship]. Might still give it a try.
English (US) ·