Kxng Izem looks to rule

Up-and-coming reggae artiste Kxng Izem has urged people to listen keenly to the message in his new song, The Ruler, which was released earlier this month.

The catchy dub-reggae flow of the single is indicative of the artiste's own persona. It talks about the hard work needed to create success and the importance of spiritual connectivity.

" The Ruler is driven by my relationship with Rastafari and the joy in success that comes through hard work. The messages, for the most part, always reflect that and my movement as a stylistic pioneer for my generation," Izem said.

He said that his musical style is a rebellious offspring of Jamaican popular music, reggae and dancehall, with strong spiritual connectivity.

Inspired by genres such as UK Grime, Afrobeats and Rhythm & Blues, as well as artistes Protoje, Burna Boy, H.E.R, Popcaan, JayZ and Bob Marley, Izem believes that reggae cannot be placed in a box.

The young artiste, whose debut song, Wildfire, was released last year, has been blending world music with the reggae dub-style drum and base pattern. He considers it his calling to bridges the gap between original reggae fans and the younger music lovers.

"I feel as though there is a higher power that compels me to keep at it, and clears the way for me, so I keep going despite all challenges. My material is motivated by everything that can be seen and felt, but is guided by my understanding of Rastafari," Izem added