Roots artist Likkle Lightning’s music is just what many say is missing from Jamaica’s airwaves today. MJMagazine caught up with him recently to get his thoughts on why his music is not received by a wider audience especially because he is creating exactly what the masses say is needed.

MJMagazine: Where is Likkle Lightning based?

Likkle Lightning: My home base is Negril, Jamaica but I spend most of my time in New York , NY or Birmingham, AL USA.  Wherever the music takes me, I’ll be there.

MJMagazine: A lot of hardcore reggae lovers are not familiar with Likkle Lightning, why do you think that is?

Likkle Lightning: Although I have been writing and performing songs for quite some time, I never had the opportunity to work with a promotion company before.  Presence on the internet is now so important and it’s only recently that I have entered the “digital” age. I am so happy now that my music has spread so far and the response has been so positive.

MJMagazine: Your style of reggae is very different what inspires your lyrical content and delivery style?

Likkle Lightning: My inspiration comes from Jah Almighty God and the events in my life so far.  I grew up in Kingston and it could have been easy to enter the gang life to escape poverty but I was lucky to move to live on a farm with my grandparents as a youth and learn the better way of working hard on the good earth to support a family.  My “delivery style” is the natural way of life for me, being positive and hopefully uplifting others out of the bad side.

MJMagazine: “Want to keep the faith, lightning can’t get a break”, what exactly did you mean when you say that line in the song Temptation?

Likkle Lightning: I wanted to try to get across that all my life I have tried to stay positive despite difficulties.  “Want to keep the faith” – I want to believe things will be better with the help of Jah.  “Lightning can’t get a break” – something ALWAYS goes wrong!  Never give up.

MJMagazine: We understand that you produce your own music; does that mean you actually play the instruments as well?

Likkle Lightning: Unfortunately, no.  I never had the chance to learn instruments.  What happens is that I go in the studio with my lyrics and my ideas for music, then work with some of the best musicians to put everything together.  Luckily, Tuff Gong studios in Kingston was where I produced my current songs and I had the opportunity to work with great Jamaican musicians and a great sound engineer, Roland McDermott.

MJMagazine: Most culture artist will say that they are on a mission with their music, do you feel that way about your music and if so what would be your mission?

Likkle Lightning: I am definitely on a mission with my music.  What I want to do is to show people that life can be good if we use love to change things rather than violence.  Give up guns and drugs and embrace nature and God.  If I can do that in a way that entertains and makes people happy as well, that’s absolutely great.

MJMagazine: What has been your worst experience as an artist to date?

Likkle Lightning: My worst experience was in my starting days.  I was confirmed to perform and stood at the side waiting to go onstage but the MC never called me on.  Not being able to share my music dashed my dreams that day, but that experience makes it even better now when I do get to perform. And I’ll make sure that never happens to anyone who is a supporting act for me! 

MJMagazine: What has been your best experience as an artist to date?

Likkle Lightning: Again, there was an incident a long time ago.  King Yellowman was having a show in Negril, Jamaica and I met him and asked if he would let me do one song on his show. He DID!  Now, I just enjoy every time I get to perform and interact with the audience.

MJMagazine: Anything you want to share before we close?

Likkle Lightning: I would just like to give thanks to Jah for allowing me to share my music and spread my message.  It is an exciting time for me!  I also so much want to thank friends and colleagues who have helped me along the way and are still helping me.  Special thanks to supporters who listen to my music and especially to those that accept the gift that God gave me to turn people from destruction into glory.  Blessings!  Jah live.