Places I’ve been…
When I was young, I heard classmates talk about trips to Spain and visits to family in Germany, places I never thought I'd see. In 2010, I got a surprise call for a travel opportunity while working with Stingray Records in London and Murray Man from Mellow Vibes Record Label in Birmingham. The call came from Alpheus, a singer from Studio One, whom I sang backup for at 19. It's funny how just hanging out in a record shop opened up doors to new experiences!
In the past, experienced people talked about working hard to earn opportunities. I relate to this from my time as a backup singer. While I've sung mostly for one artist, it led me to new experiences like performing with bands from different countries. Singing is a gift that lets me connect with audiences. Let me share one memorable moment...
Manchester Carnival
Prince Hammer is an important part of my journey. A large part of my family exists in Manchester. So when I turned 18, I was given the gift of my passport and a plane ticket from my dad telling me to go meet them and not to come back to America… While there I attended my uncle’s retirement do and my cousin, Audrey Hall, introduced me to the legendary, Prince Hammer.
Prince Hammer then took me to Stingray Studios in London where I met Sylvia Tella and Eryc Donaldson. I even recorded on that occasion.
Sept 2021: Rafeelya alongside Multiple Skillz plays a Riddim Set at The Subscription Rooms in Stroud, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom opening for David Rodigan.
Rafeelya Opens for David Rodigan Sept 2021
No one would ever be able to tell the absolute anguish before this performance. I had not long ago arrived back in the UK from my first visit ever to Jamaica. I took my fathers ashes to spread them in the water of JA. I didn’t have the luxury of having an actual funeral for him after having died during the pandemic. Music is a healer and so is time. We move and allow for music to give us the strength to keep going.
On this night some really important people were there rooting me on, like the one taking this footage. The voices you hear in the background have sang with me for years and have featured on this page and in my videos numerous times. Multiple Skillz, a talented writer, artist, producer, deejay and engineer recorded and was present for the writing of the Early Warm and so many more stories you will read from me.
Massive Respect to man like Uptown Yardie for styling me for the Early Warm Video. If you haven’t checked out this massive artist and Clothing Designer yet, I beg you do!!! Click on his name and it shall take you to his collection. Some really big names have his one of a kind pieces in their wardrobe so go ‘head and get familiar.
Collaboration
Britains
Got
Reggae…
Thats me over there. I thought it would be a great idea to up my followers (at the time cause this whole instagram and media presence thing was becoming so important. Many told me it wasn’t a great idea, that I was already pursuing my career so it didn’t make sense to enter.
I, on the other hand like auditioning, and had previously auditioned for The Voice and for Britains Got Talent. Auditioning for me was a great day out to meet people who were pursuing their love for music, full or part time, depending on the person I spoke with.
After hearing my sister in music, Claire Angel, won the first year, I thought, why not go for it?! I became the winner of Britains Got Reggae 2017!
It was not an easy competition, their were many contenders but in every round, the music selection was thought about. Strategically and making sure each tune was a message to the people and to myself!
In the first video you will see me working with Valerie Vybz who I now have the pleasure of singing with and in the second video, which is my all time favourite performance, mainly because of its significance and the level of confidence and certainty I needed to achieve it.
In the end, I was passed the trophy by Claire Angel herself and winning confirmed my performance at Rototom Sunsplash in 2018 on Lion Stage…
Blackout JA Collabs
One thing I love about my journey is the many collaborations with Blackout JA. During lockdown we were able to get some projects done and they are here for your viewing pleasure.
It was after formally meeting when I opened at the Sista Nancy Show in Bristol’s Trinity that he reached out and I was so happy to be asked after hearing so many of his tunes. Big Up to the Producer of this track and videographers and directors, Pav Heron and Adrian Wiecha.
Readi Fi Di Road released in 2021 and also features Gloucester’s Finest, Griz-O. I have always wanted to work with him and this was the ideal situation! I hope you enjoy this banger here. You won’t find it anywhere else.
As for the other bangers, all available once you follow the links in the descriptions of the videos. The collection is awesome and trust there’s more to come!
