For too long, there has been a broken relationship between Caribbean natives and the members of the diaspora. It’s always a special and refreshing sentiment when an artist with Caribbean roots represents the culture and dominates the international music scene, and Capella Grey epitomized this with his smash single ‘Gyalis’.
“Connecting with my Jamaican roots is very personal for me at this point in my career. I believe that my roots are what give me the vibe that ties my sound together. It helps me gain a deeper understanding of my heritage, identity, and the values that shape me personally and professionally. This connection will also provide inspiration, a unique perspective, and a sense of motivation.”
This year has been a tumultuous year for the multifaceted Founder of the Allepac Family. However, ever so often when life brings a plethora of changes in a short space of time, it’s the opportune moment to revisit your foundation. Connecting deeper with his Jamaican roots is imperative for the New York native at this juncture in his career, and there’s lots of adulation in Jamaica for the crooner to experience.
“This is my first time in Jamaica. Growing up in NY, you feel a sense of the culture daily. However, that can change with actually getting to visit the island for the first time. You know the saying, is it better to love and lose than not love at all? So, not actually getting to Jamaica until now, I don’t know how much integration I missed out on. I don’t have personal experiences or feelings, but I can still understand the sense of missing out, especially if I develop a strong connection to that culture by actually having the opportunity to experience it firsthand. It’s never too late to explore and engage with my cultural roots though; I feel like my music keeps me connected.”
Capella Grey’s latest release, [Here.damn], tells the sonic story of a lighthearted yet thoughtful individual who has fully embraced all the unpredictable virtues of life, women, and privileges. Uptown New York and Uptown Kingston may seem worlds apart, but the artistic uniqueness of Capella Grey will be witnessed in Jamaica for the first time at Worlds Collide.
Worlds Collide is an interactive art show curated by Hi Esteem Agency, which amalgamates visual art, curated music, and live music. This year’s staging on August 24, 2023, at the Hyundai Showroom features four of Jamaica’s best modern visual artists, namely Stefan Amali, Brittne Murray, Gabrielle Murdock, and Amanda Robinson. In addition to Capella Grey, patrons will be treated to musical selections by Zj Chrome, Dj Powa, Troy Findzi, and Dj Zyah Reds, along with a live performance by D’yani.