The Vinyl presents an exclusive interview with Conkarah, a viral superpower whose 2020 smash hit single “Banana” with Shaggy has surpassed 2 Billion streams to date. His TikTok “#bananadrop trend surrounding the “Banana” campaign had over 20 Billion views!! Hailing from Kingston, Jamaica, Conkarah is bringing disparate cultures together with his vibrant brand of “Island Pop”—a colorful concoction melding reggae, dancehall, and harmony with classic songwriting, tropical rhythms, and irreverent good humor.
Most recently, Conkarah released a remix EP for his song Switch (Fatty Fatty) Remix EP, which features a collection of remixes by and featuring Roach Killa, Bobby Konders (Massive B), Orange Hill, Zed Bias and Jay Mac. He also just released days ago – the positive vibe of “Every Day” (feat. Romain Virgo and Fiji)!! This guy sure has his hands full and keeps continuing to slay the industry! Check out what Conkarah has to say below!
TV: For those who may not be quite familiar with you, mind introducing yourself & share a fun fact no one may know about you?
Conkarah: My name is Conkarah and I’m a reggae pop artiste from Kingston, Jamaica. Music is my passion and I love sharing my passion and spreading positivity and good vibes through my music. A fun fact is that I’m left handed but I play right handed guitar.
TV: How did you decide to go by Conkarah? What’s the story behind your stage name?
C: There was a song my roommate and I would listen to all the time in college by a Jamaican reggae artist Culture, the name of the song was “See dem a Come” and he says the word conqueror, so I decided to spell the name a little differently and it has become my stage name and even my outlook in life: conquer my dreams, my fears, destiny.
TV: How did you get your start in the music industry?
C: I joined a choir in University and knew then and there that it was the passion I wanted to pursue. I would start by recording in my dorm room and putting songs up on my myspace. I found the whole process quite fascinating and fun.
TV: Who/ what are some musical inspirations you may have?
C: I love all types of music from Bob Marley, to Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Amy Winehouse even a little country music. If the music hits I’ll be jammin to it.
TV: So recently you’ve just released a song called Everyday featuring Romain Virgo & Fiji, whom you’ve said are a favorite artist of yours, what was it like getting to collaborate with them?
C: This is a song and collab I had envisioned for quite some time, I was not sure how I would put it all together but it was effortless and such a fun project and both Fiji and Romain add the perfect vibe and energy to the song, I’m very proud of how it came out. LISTEN/SHARE “EVERY DAY” FEAT. ROMAIN VIRGO & FIJI HERE WATCH THE LYRIC VIDEO HERE
TV: You’ve gotten to work with many talented artists, one being Shaggy on Banana, what was that like? How did you get to team up with Shaggy on this single?
C: It was great working with Shaggy as I am a fan of his music, the collaboration came through a mutual friend.
TV: Last year, Banana was like the Tik-Tok pandemic anthem. Do you think the pandemic really helped the track pick up more? It was nice to have something so uplifting and fun to dance to!
C: Yes, both Shaggy and I agreed that it was so nice to see everyone having fun and smiling in the videos. Families and friends coming together to have some fun in such trying times, it was a positive vibration.
TV: What does the typical writing/recording process look like for you? Does the music or lyrics come first?
C: It can go either way to be honest, I could be inspired and start with a melody or simply words or a concept.
TV: When you’re in the recording phase, do you take what you may have learned from past sessions to current session?
C: I do to an extent yes, but I do most of my recording at home, it’s a comfortable space and I enjoy the process very much, it’s quite therapeutic. I’m also not on a time limit so it’s good to have that freedom – it goes a long way during the creative process.
TV: With the whole craziness of the pandemic and the world shutting down, what did you do with your time during the lockdown? Whether it was getting time to reflect and work on music or just taking time to sit back and relax?
C: I actually got into gardening, and it has become yet another passion of mine.
TV: Now that things are slowly getting back to “normal” what are some plans do you have for the rest of 2022?
C: I am ready to conquer and spread some good vibes.
TV: And as we conclude this interview, is there anything you’d like to say to your fans?
C: Sending lots of love to you all, thank you for your ongoing support – one love!
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