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Three decades in music is no small achievement, especially in an era of evolving genres. On Wednesday night at Kamila’s Kitchen in downtown Kingston, reggae and dancehall veteran Sizzla Kalonji was celebrated at the press launch of his upcoming concert, Rise to the Occasion, with industry leaders, fans, government officials, and close friends recognising his contribution to Jamaican music.
When asked how he continues to create music that resonates with Jamaicans and the world after thirty years, Sizzla told The Gleaner, “I stay above all things by constant reading, constant praying and constant training. You have to learn to separate yourself from everyone else and remember, you are a leader.”
His impact was clear in the tributes that followed. Radio broadcaster Collin Hines hailed Sizzla’s 17 albums as “the embodiment of Jamaican music,” calling him “a generational talent” whose catalogue uplifts and inspires. Attorney and longtime friend Charmaine Rhoden highlighted his dedication to community through the Sizzla Youth Foundation and shared a moving testimony from a young man battling terminal illness, who credited Sizzla’s music with giving him strength.
One of the night’s most memorable moments came when Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness took the stage to recount how Sizzla’s music shaped his own journey. “[In] 2011 I had a big decision to make in my life. And, one morning, I was contemplating and then this song came on – Rise to the Occasion. That song was the inspiration for me to step forward to become leader of my political party and eventually to become Prime Minister,” he said. Holness added that he often turned to Sizzla’s music for strength during difficult times.
“ So my friend, I just wanted to come here and to say to you, you wouldn’t always know the details of the power of your music. I just wanted to tell you personally, that you have inspired me with your music,” Holness said.
After the tributes, Sizzla spoke about his own approach to music and what he hopes the next generation of artistes can learn from his journey.
“You just gotta be strong. Approach this with high respect and a high sense of humility. Be strong in everything you’re doing and keep making good songs,” he shared.
IN A GOOD PLACE
While some critics argue that today’s music is losing its cultural edge, Sizzla believes the scene remains strong. Pointing to both established and emerging artistes, he expressed confidence in the continued vibrancy of Jamaican music:
“I wouldn’t say yes, because we still have great Jamaican musicians producing conscious music today. I wouldn’t allow the negative to override the positive. With artistes like myself, Capleton, Buju Banton, Morgan Heritage, Anthony B and more, the music is still in a good place.”
For fans eager to see what’s next from the veteran artiste, Sizzla revealed plans to expand his creative work beyond music with the launch of his own brand.
“I’m trying to get my brand Sizzla out. I’m getting some shoes out and some leather slippers and all those stuff. I’ve been working on it for years,” he told The Gleaner. “But, you know, based on the culture and what I do and represent, it’s a bit difficult sometimes because we’re rasta man and we burn a lot of fire. But I’m doing well and I think it’s gonna be really fruitful, and it’s coming soon.”
English (US) ·