Youngwildapache explodes after Kartel’s endorsement
Fast-rising dancehall artiste Youngwildapache has credited his big break in music to none other than the 'Worl' Boss', Vybz Kartel.
His latest single, Pain, caught fire after Vybz Kartel shared it on Instagram, triggering a wave of attention that Youngwildapache says changed his life.
"I was at home when my phone started blowing up, and the people in my area who were passing started saying, 'Yuh buss, di boss just post yuh,'" he recalled.
"That's when I realised what was happening. So instantly, me and my team decide we have to make the best of this moment."
Youngwildapache, whose given name is Rohan Reid, has spent years of grinding in the underground circuit, but the Vybz Kartel magic appears to have brought him into the big leagues. The Worl' Boss gave the song a powerful co-sign, sharing it repeatedly and personally expressing his love for the track.
"What even made it more special for me is that Vybz Kartel posted the song almost every day for a month and commented on my page about how much he loved it, which sparked a chain reaction," Youngwildapache said.
"Because all who turned a blind eye immediately made a U-turn, songs I have been singing 10 years prior, people are now listening to them. So I have to give thanks," he said.
The dancehall artiste said that his connection to the Gaza general came through a mentor, and a stroke of luck.
"It was a chance meeting. I met him when he came to Downsound Records and I was introduced to him by my mentor, Harry Toddler, and the rest is history," he said.
Youngwildapache shared that Vybz Kartel wasn't even aware he was an artiste at first.
"This is also why I am so grateful, because he never even knew I was an artiste, because I never told him anything. I would just see him and we rhyme a few words and then I would just sit and listen to him, and hold a reasoning with him like a student listening to a teacher, or a mentor that I idolise and respect," he said.
He lists Bounty Killer as another of his mentors, stating that the 'War Lord' was the first person to give him a microphone on a major stage.
With endorsements from Vybz Kartel, and having the likes of Bounty Killer and Harry Toddler in his corner, Youngwildapache is confident that he is on the road to success.
"All I have to do is work hard and surround myself with the right people, and things will fall into place," he said.
With two music videos -- Pain and Times Like These -- already released and more on the way, Youngwildapache is laser-focused on making an impact.
He is slated to perform at Reggae Sumfest on Dancehall Night, July 18, in Montego Bay, St James. The fast-rising artiste says he intends to make the best of the opportunity.
"This is the biggest platform in Jamaica when it comes to music, so my plan is to show the world that the new generation of musicians can continue the mission and surpass the milestones set by my predecessors," he said.