Though their sounds are often criticised as 'inaudible,' dancehall artistes Valiant and 10Tik said the new generation of musicians are gifted youngsters who are shifting the musical landscape and prolonging the legacy set by pioneers. "It's not [much] different because we're trying to do what the [foundation] artistes did, but in a different sound, because the younger generation has a different ear to music now. So we're singing what the younger generation wants to hear now," Valiant told THE STAR while urging the public to "continue supporting Jamaica's new generation of artistes".
His statements came in light of the musical camaraderie involving many of Jamaica's "youngest and hottest" artistes to bring the recently held Sashi Festival to a dramatic finale on Saturday. The event saw the display of creativity, high energy and a composition of witty lyrics on full display as the 'Gen Z creatives' including Rajah Wild, Kraff, Bayka and Najeeriii were joined by 10Tik and Valiant. 10Tik opined that in the earlier days, the music was all about dancing and vibrancy.
"Dat is what mi see the younger generation coming with now. I'm more like dancehall soul. Mi is the heart addi dancehall, di soul addi city.
Me speak wid emotions about fear, pain, joy and dem ting deh and mi just stay inna dat bracket and as a young artiste, that's what make the world say '10Tik'," he said. "Music is a part of my life suh when mi a sing mi just a express my life; mi just a live a part of me, mi naah r.
