Byron Messia wants more chances for aspiring artistes
International dancehall artiste Byron Messia has called on artistes in the spotlight to ‘give a strength’ to more up-and-coming talent, following his recent performance in New York where he shared the stage with aspiring dancehall act Skyko.
“The cake big enough for all of us. Each one help one. It feels good to give another artiste an opportunity,” the Talibans deejay told THE STAR. “Remember we were all young artistes at some point. Don’t forget that when the fame comes. Stay real to the game.”
Messia and Skyko said the initial link was created through working with their public relations officer, Karl Durrant, which allowed them to have a “family-like” bond. The Caribbean-American artiste, Messia, has been making a musical impact since his rise to fame in 2023, collaborating with a number of international acts such as Burna Boy and Chris Brown.
Skyko expressed gratitude for Messia’s gesture, suggesting that these actions need to be displayed more in music.
“It means a lot because these opportunities are rare, and the majority of the dancehall community lacks support, especially for new artistes like myself,” Skyko told THE STAR.
“Like I told Byron at the end of my performance, ‘Respect me G, because ah nuff artiste wouldn’t give me a strength, especially being a new artiste, whether my song was hot or not,” he added.
Sharing similar sentiments as Messia, he asked other industry players to give younger acts a chance to prove themselves before “writing them off”.
“The media is the root of all perception within the music industry, so whatever you believe, you believe. But don’t judge a scenario by its circumstance, because situations can be deceiving. Don’t judge anyone, because you might burn a bridge you didn’t mean to burn,” said the 3D Motion singer, who underscored that the recent single has been creating an online ‘buzz’.
“Social media a run with 3D Motion and dat feel good. It’s buzzing on every platform like crazy, because like every time me guh pon IG (Instagram), TikTok or YouTube, me see a video with someone a dance to it, sing to it or a talk about it. Me haffi also seh respect to the radio man dem weh don’t even know me personally weh a beat it daily,” Skyko stated.
The Top Ranks Entertainment recording artiste said he’s very passionate about music and credits Messia for being an inspiration.
“Byron inspire and reassure me with the sound he’s bringing to the music industry, to know that I’m not the only one. [Also] big up Vybz Kartel. Ah him motivate me fi tek on dancehall with a force,” said Skyko.
“My style of music merges traditional creativity with a modern twist. In my music, wealth is not just material, but the richness of spirit, faced with hostility. It speaks of maintaining grace under fire,” he added.
Skyko said he’s just “warming up” for the loads of music that is to come, as he also sets to launch his debut EP this year.