Singer Complex Ricki talks mental health

With a stage name like Complex Ricki, one would think that this young emerging fusion reggae artiste battling a bipolar disorder would be more rambunctious, full of impish mischief and volcanic energy.

Instead, in person, she is centred and almost zen in her approach to life.

“I think [that] like most people I am a bit complex. The definition consists of many different and connected parts. I think that describes me because I’m a multifaceted person,” she explained.

She has struggled with a bipolar disorder for years and at one time was even institutionalised.

“Being bipolar is not something people can sense normally in my day-to-day living. I’m just like everyone else. I just make sure I live a completely sober life so no substances trigger me and I take my medication so me and people get along well,” she said.

What is the biggest lesson she has learned living with a mental illness?

“My biggest lesson I’ve learned is that it’s okay to have a mental illness. Plenty of successful people struggle and cope with mental health. People who are bipolar are very intelligent and creative. It’s something that chooses you and not vice versa. You can live a good life regardless. I’ve also learned that It’s nothing to be ashamed of,” she said.

Complex Ricki is generating a buzz on the streets with her latest ambitious single, Make a Change, produced by After13 Entertainment, and dedicated to the survivors of the Hurricane Melissa storm that wreaked havoc in western Jamaica.

“The song is just a reminder to them to stand strong in the face of the devastation, remember that you are Jamaica and have that indomitable spirit to rise again,” she said.

The video has racked up thousands of views on Instagram and YouTube since its release.

Hailing from Kingston, Jamaica, Complex Ricki, born Rickolette Simmonds, has emerged as one of the innovative artistes in the contemporary music scene. She has carved out a reputation for making relatable songs that focus on emotions, love, and heartbreak and has seen an immediate uptick in her social media presence and streaming numbers.

“I am a passionate person. I considered the music I was doing before alternative because it was a fusion of my roots and culture. I’ve always infused it into my music, I just hadn’t full on went lovers’ rock as I am now. I love reggae music, and I always felt my voice would be a fit. I just didn’t have the proper reggae producers around. Now I do, so I feel confident I can do the genre some justice,” she said.

She is best known for the song With Emotions, a saucy Afro-dancehall club banger that went viral on TikTok and generated over a million streams on Spotify.

“It went viral on TikTok by me just singing raw into the phone. Fans asked me to actually record it, and it’s become my biggest song to date,” she said.

She has begun to generate interest in the club circuit in Europe and the USA.

“We have a couple bookings. I am really excited about what the future has to offer,” she said.