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Fresh from his performance at Reggae Sumfest Blitz All Black at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay last week, Valiant is ready to thrill Kingston fans on Saturday when he headlines Coca-Cola’s Bites & Beats, a food and music festival at Hope Botanical Gardens in St Andrew.
The Diplomat hitmaker, who has made his presence felt with songs such as Gwaan Suh, Baddie Deh, Lumbah, Dunce Cheque, North Carolina, Narcissistic, Bubble Gum, and most recently, Passenger Princess, has remained consistent.
Fans still remember that not many years ago, Valiant became a viral sensation on TikTok, popularising the phrase ‘Kotch e hat a lie,’ which valiantly inserted itself into the consciousness of Gen Z. “ ‘Kotch e hat a lie’ just activate Valiant music, so all mi songs and videos dem start pick up now,” the artiste was quoted as saying in 2022, when the saying was all the rage.
Fast forward three years, and Valiant’s life has “changed significantly – financially, spiritually, and also musically”. The entertainer, whose real name is Raheem Bowes, has become adjusted to everyone asking him for a picture, and he is, in fact, living the dream. Known for his relatable lyrics and melodic flow, Valiant began singing as early as age five and started writing songs at age seven. A past student of Oberlin High School and St Mary’s College, Valiant names reggae and dancehall legends Yellowman, Shabba Ranks, Vybz Kartel, and Bob Marley as influences.
During his journey, Valiant has performed at marquee events such as the World Creole Music Festival in Dominica, the Oracabessa Caribbean Music Festival in New York, the Best Weekend Ever in Ocho Rios, St Ann, Caribbean Rocks in Birmingham, and Big Bad Chug It in Negril.
Valiant has earned major accolades, including the MOBO Award for Best Caribbean Artiste and the 2024 Caribbean Music Awards Dancehall Artiste of the Year. He remains dedicated to creating lasting hits, staying true to himself while keeping his sound fresh and relevant.
Coca-Cola’s Bites & Beats food and music festival, part of the brand’s Share a Coke campaign, will feature a curated food court, live entertainment, and interactive brand experiences. Coca-Cola and Valiant share a bold, feel-good spirit, and 5 Questions With... captured some of that when we sat down with the artiste this week.
You’re headlining Coca-Cola’s Bites & Beats food and music festival this weekend. What made you excited to join this event, and how do you plan to connect with the fans on the night?
I’m excited to be part of Bites & Beats because it brings together music and vibes– two things I live for. Any time I get to touch the stage and feel the energy from the fans, I’m ready. On the night, expect full-performance mode. I’m coming with tracks the people love, and I always make time to connect with the crowd, even if it’s just a moment between songs. I just want to connect with the fans and make sure everyone leaves with unforgettable memories. I’ll be there very early to take pictures, so come out and enjoy.
The festival is also creating opportunities for young artistes through the Coke Studio Riddim Challenge. As someone who has come up through the local music scene, what advice would you give to these emerging performers?
Stay consistent and stay real to your sound. Everybody has noise, but the ones who break through are the ones who keep showing up and bring something authentic. Don’t rush the process … focus on your craft and your message.
What kind of legacy do you hope to leave in the music industry?
My team and I are looking towards Grammys and international accolades. We have a dream and a vision that we worked hard for, and this is not it yet; we know there’s more to come. So, we’re fully focused and working even harder towards that, as we would love for Valiant to be written in the hall of fame.
What’s the next major move for Valiant?
More music and more visuals as always. The goal is always to elevate, new levels every time. Just know the next chapter ago mad.
What’s one thing fans might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a big thinker. A lot of the time, I’m quiet because I’m in my head plotting moves and visualising what’s next.
English (US) ·