Watch: Lila Iké Reveals Video For "Solitude," Filmed In Kingston, Jamaica And Directed By Nickii Kane.

Spread the love

Lila Iké has become one of the most sought-after musicians to emerge from Jamaica right now. She can freestyle and sing in the same breath. Her lyrics are razor sharp. Her cadence is bold. Her vocals are angelic, forming a cosmic combination and force to be reckoned with.For more info, see previous press release.

Lila Iké says her debut EP “is an experience of me, showing my versatility and the different tones, values and vibes of a woman. This is a mixture of songs influenced by reggae, but it does not define the sound. It has trap dancehall on “Where I’m Coming From” and soulful vibes on “Forget Me.” It gets sweet and jazzy on “Stars Align” and “I Spy” has this reggaeton and pop feel. It is a beautiful time for this kind of music to come from Jamaica, we are showing people there is no linear way of anything.”

Also joining Lila Iké on her anticipated EP The ExPerience is a cast of Jamaica’s most in-demand producers. Phillip “Winta” James, known for his work with Protoje, Nas & Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Mortimer, produced “Forget Me” and “Stars Align” (along with Lamont “Monty” Savory). A trio of the island’s most promising young beatmakers, Ziah x JLL x Iotosh, are responsible for “Solitude.” Also, behind the boards is GRAMMY-nominated artist Protoje, who executive produced The ExPerience with Lila Iké, and is credited for crafting the sound of “Thy Will,” which is influenced by Sly and Robbie’s “More Baltimore.”

Lila Iké (pronounced Lee-lah Eye-kay)

Born Alecia Grey, Lila Iké grew up in the cool hills of Manchester, Jamaica. She and her three sisters were raised in a single parent household by her mother. As the second eldest child, she had a drive and responsibility to push forward and provide for her family. Upon Lila’s relocation to Kingston, Jamaica’s capital city, the ambitious singer connected with artists like Jah9, Kabaka Pyramid and Protoje — leaders in what’s been called the reggae revival — each of whom she now considers her advisors. Protoje quickly signed Lila to his management company and label In.Digg.Nation Collective. After appearing as a featured guest on tracks by Protoje (“Flight Plans”), Royal Blu (“Believe”) and Koro Fyah (“Got it For You,” “Raggamuffin”) and on mixtapes by Addis Pablo and Yaadcore, she began building her own catalog of impressive solo material including “Biggest Fan,” (2017), “Gotti Gotti” (2017), “Second Chance” (2018), “Where I’m Coming From” (2019), “Sweet Inspiration” (2019) and “I Spy” (2020). Iké also was an x-factor on Protoje’s latest single “Not Another Word,” a power collaboration with Agent Sasco, released April 2019. Whether she was flying solo or rolling with Protoje, Lila has been tearing up stages across the globe. She embarked on her very first solo tour last year throughout Europe during the summer. She was booked on all the major reggae festivals, including a main stage slot at 2019 Rototom Sunsplash (Benicassim, Spain), the genre’s largest festival worldwide. Her and labelmate Sevana also joined Protoje on his sets at Reggae Sumfest (Montego Bay, Jamaica) and BRIC’s Celebrate Brooklyn! (NYC, USA). Shortly after, she opened for Protoje on his U.S. tour along the West Coast. Lila recently collaborated with PUMA Middle East and performed on their stage in Dubai at Sole DXB Festival 2019 in December. 2020 is a promising year for Lila Iké. Already on “Artists To Watch” lists and featured from the likes of New York Times, NPR, The FADER, NYLON, BBC 1xtra’s Hot for 2020, RELIX Magazine and COMPLEX, the singer is poised and ready to let you know who she is and where she is coming from.

Get ready for The ExPerience.

“The ExPerience is a valiant induction of Iké not only as a force to be reckoned with as a rising reggae artist in Jamaica, but globally…The ExPerience is a reminder that Jamaican artists aren’t singing about a season. They’re singing about their entire lives.”
– VICE

“…Lila Ikè wastes no time pushing Jamaica’s next wave of reggae forward. Admire the realness.”
– NPR

“Lila Iké, a singer from central Jamaica whose star is on the rise, has no use for coyness…her talent lies in the ability to use a soft touch even as she’s calling the shots”
– The New York Times

“…one of the more exciting rising artists to come out of Jamaica with a handful of undeniable tracks…so sweet and warm that it’ll make you dream that you were on a beach instead of quarantine”
– The FADER

“With an incredible vocal range, mesmerizing vibrato and effortless runs, Lila Iké is steadily carving out her own space…”
– NYLON

The ExPerience Track Listing: