Yeza ready to bring ‘rude girl roots’ to Lost In Time

Rising roots reggae artiste Yeza says she was surprised to be invited to perform at this year’s Lost In Time Festival. As a recording artiste still establishing herself in the reggae scene, she hadn’t expected an opportunity of that calibre so early. For the Bull Bay native, however, the invitation confirmed she was on the right path.

“First of all, I wasn’t expecting to be performing at Lost In Time. So, when I got a call from Protoje – who told me while I was on tour in the US – it was an amazing feeling. [Just to think that] I was already on tour, which was my first US tour, and then to get that call… it’s like… just all these confirmations, for me personally, that [made me think], ‘I’m doing something right,’” Yeza explained to The Gleaner.

For those who don’t know her, Yeza carries the banner of “rude girl roots” wherever she goes. Since beginning her musical journey in university, she has released standout tracks like Warzone, Kingdom, and Tek Chat, and last year she released her debut album, Star of the East. She has also collaborated with industry giants such as Sizzla, Patra, and Turbulence.

“Rude girl roots means that I’m rooted in consciousness, but also uses elements from the street culture, like flair and style, to not only create her essence, but appeal visually and sonically,” the 34-year-old, who celebrates her birthday on February 19, explained.

But while she has made this style all her own, she also can’t help but give recognition to the people who have inspired her on her musical journey.

“So, from dancehall, I’d say I am definitely inspired by Bounty Killa. In terms of reggae, I would say Marcia Griffiths and Peter Tosh. Obviously, everybody’s influenced by Bob Marley,” she said, adding, “Ray Darwin, I love, love, love his sound he just gives me a feeling of hope and sense of nostalgia.” She also noted that the influence doesn’t stop there.

As she gears up for her debut performance on the first day of the two-day Protoje- and Chronixx-headlined festival, Yeza says to expect it all.

“I feel like you guys are gonna get a full display of rude girl roots within the context of a lost in time. I study quantum physics in my free time, and so I’m very, very intrigued by things like time dilation, astral travel, and all dem things deh. So, you’re going to get elements of that in the appeal and presentation,” she said.

“I feel like it’s going to be exciting because at the core of it, you’re still going to have rude girl roots, we’re gonna come through fi di hot gyal dem, but at the same time, come forward with a level of consciousness. You’re going to get all of that together,” Yeza told The Gleaner.

The Lost In Time Festival will take place on February 28 and March 1 at Hope Gardens in St Andrew. Day one’s lineup includes Protoje, Lila Iké, Tanya Stephens, Mortimer, Tessanne Chin, Iotosh, and Joby Jay. Day two will feature Chronixx, Jesse Royal, Jah 9, Naomi Cowan, Dyani, Royal Blu, and Dahvid Slur.

kenrick.morgan@gleanerjm.com