Chabano Nkani’s single gets second life

US-based reggae singer Chabano Nkani is currently enjoying a huge buzz with his single titled ' Close To You'.

The song, which was produced by the artiste and released on his Isle of Springs Records imprint, was released along with a video in October. Since then it has been receiving strong rotation both locally and overseas.

"This song was released a few years ago but it didn't get the kind of response it deserved. I don't know why, probably the market wasn't ready for it or maybe I didn't promote it enough. However, I've always believed it had the potential to be a hit," he said. "So earlier this year I decided to shoot a video and release it again. I'm happy I made that decision because the song is doing better than it did before. It's getting a lot of support from fans in Sierra Leon, Gambia, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, France, Sweden, the UK, the US and the Caribbean."

He said that while the airplay is very strong in Jamaica and other places, he realised that many people are getting to know the song because it has gone viral on TikTok.

"The official video has over one million views on that social media platform alone," he said.

Chabano Nkani said he planned to visit Jamaica in October to work on his upcoming EP but his plans were disrupted by Hurricane Melissa.

"However, I plan to visit the island early next year to complete the production of my first EP. This project will include Close To You along with six new songs," he said.

Chabano Nkani, given name Richard Brown, is a Jamaica-born reggae/dancehall singer and producer. In 2017, he recorded and released his debut album titled Phases on his Isles of Springs label via VPal. He has also produced songs for several other reggae and dancehall acts including the legendary Half Pint, T.O.K., Warrior King, Hawkeye and Natural Black.