Zagga Talks New Music And An Evolved Sound

Reggae recording artist Zagga has successfully managed to execute a career similar to that of a silent storm.  After emerging on the scene in the mid-2000s with his mixtape The Remix God, the St. Ann native moved to Kingston and scored a management deal with recording label Chimney Records, and subsequently released Never Give Up, Remember The Days, Destination, and his feature alongside Tarrus Riley titled Free Up on the popular Happy Hour Riddim.

His latest production 17/06 released in 2021 from his label Amini Music, which features collaborations with Jahvillani, Tarrus Riley, and Kabaka Pyramid climbed to the top of Apple Music ahead of Alkaline’s Top Prize, Vybz Kartel’s Born Fi Dis and Popcaan’s Fixtape.

Born Austill Henry, the 31-year-old, who now experiments with different sounds, takes some time to answer questions from DancehallMag.

What are the latest releases out now and when were they released?

Vibe Check on the Chimney Records produced Upstairs Riddim and Tension, produced by Amini Music are the latest releases that came out in January.

Chimney Records once managed you at the beginning of your career, currently, you are self-managed, do you find it more fruitful for your career working with a manager, than when you’re self-managed?

Yes, I find it more beneficial when working with a management team.

Your production 17/06 soared ahead of trending names in dancehall, yet not much was heard about it, what are your thoughts on this?

Most times it goes like that, you will tell people these things and they think you’re lying, that is why I keep the receipts, lol

Who are the main producers you’re working with now?

The main producers I am working with are Chimney Records, DJ Frass Records, and Amini Music, but I have songs for a lot of other producers too.

Any album in the making?

Always working so yeah, I have a project working on at the moment but I wouldn’t call it an album, more info will forward about that soon though.

Would you say your sound has changed?

Just like life, everything changes and evolves, my sound included. To live is to grow so I’m surely experimenting with my sound.

What are your thoughts on the new set of dancehall artists that came on the scene in the pandemic?

They are doing their thing and that is good for them. The people will always need the music so it has to be made. BIG UP EVERY ARTIST PURSUING THEM DREAM.

Where do you want your music to go in 2022?

Right now I am just making the music and let it take me where it fits best, just dropping crazy music all this year so BE READY.

What do you do when not in the studio working?

85 percent of the time I’m in the studio working so I am really at home tryna get some rest or take a swim in the river really.

Who do you admire most in music?

Buju Banton a my artist enuh, but I learn from everyone who I listen to this day. I listen to literally any music I get my hands on regardless of genre. I’m a student of music so always wanna hear new things.

Did the pandemic pose a challenge to you earning money?

The pandemic certainly made a dent in people’s earnings and I am no exception, no shows etc.