ST. Lucian born talent Flibert Salton’s (stage name Kayo Guevarra) career has taken him full circle this year. This time around, his visit is to perform at Jazz on The Strip in Rodney Bay. He is scheduled to perform for the first time his latest song, ‘Bakara’ featuring local reggae songster/rapper Nathan Deterville a.k.a Infinate.
“Bakara” has been claiming a spot on the Caribbean Top Ten List for 14 weeks now and is becoming a popular selection on the airwaves in Toronto and across Canada.
As a surprise guest performer Kayo took to the stage at Saturday Night Live Jazz. He also performed along Soca sensation, Sedale at Glo in Rodney Bay last Friday.
In his adopted hometown Toronto, the young rapper has been steadily progressing in his career. Previously signed to EMI Records in 2012, he now works independently with his management company Black Box Recordings. Since then EMI Records has been acquired by Universal Music Canada and Black Box Recordings has managed to negotiate an enhanced distribution deal with Universal that works well in their favour.
“We are in a good place. Right now we have the creative control that we have always needed and we are very self-sufficient,” said Kayo. The rest of the pieces have just been falling into place for the young rap star, allowing the experiences along the way to improve and shape him into a wiser individual and artist.
According to Kayo efforts are being made to diversify his brand and delve into other avenues of the industry as an extension to his music, while always making the time to give back.
“I’ve been doing a lot at this stage of my life because we never know how long we’re going to be kept in the position we’re in. So we’ve been capitalizing on the opportunities given to us and are appreciative of the chance to experience all of this. At the end of the day music is the foundation of it all and everything else an extension of that,” said Kayo of his team and his career.
No new music has been released since Kayo’s recent move to Toronto from Halifax. The artist has been occupied with successfully running a marketing campaign dubbed “The Six Series”. The campaign was set up to release free content on the sixth day of every month.
Said the artiste: “The message behind ‘Bakara’ was for the youth. It was for anyone who feels oppressed. In every aspect of our lives we can be subjected to some form of oppression and this song is about freedom. Freedom to do what you want despite the obstacles that come in your path.”
Taking a satisfied look into his past, Kayo had this advice to give aspiring artistes: “Think of yourself as a brand or business and how you can push it forward. Be confident, honest and never stop till you get it because all we can take with us is our experiences and all we can leave behind is our legacy.”
By: Ramia Thomas