Hello, readers! Today, we're excited to introduce you to the dynamic artist, Narki—short for ‘New Artistic Revolutionary Kind of Individual.’ Born Oshane J. Myers in the enchanting Mountainside District of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, Narki is a talented dancehall artist poised to make a mark in the music industry. With a career spanning back to the early 2000s, his journey reflects a unique blend of authenticity and evolution. Armed with a unique sense of style and creativity, Narki's music probes into everyday issues, tackling themes like relationships, poverty, and the global struggles we all share. Join us as we dive into his experiences, influences, and what lies ahead for this exceptional artist.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------BPM: Welcome, Narki! We're thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with you. To kick off our conversation, let's journey back to the roots of your story. How would you describe your childhood growing up in the Mountainside District of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica?
Narki: Thank you for having me. Well, I wouldn’t say it was the toughest or harshest reality, but it definitely wasn’t like what many kids go through. In the mornings before going to school, I had to ensure my chores got done, such as feeding the livestock we had because, you know, we are country people. We had chickens, goats, and pigs to care for.
BPM: Thank you for sharing that glimpse into your childhood and the responsibilities you had. It’s fascinating how our early experiences shape us. Speaking of which, were there any specific early experiences or memories during that time that you feel have had a lasting impact on your music or creative expression?
Narki: Indeed, as a kid, I remember my cousin (who’s more like a brother, as we were just 6 months apart in age; SIP TAH-J) and we used to build our own speaker box. We would take speakers from a radio, and build a sound box, and play music from a Walkman. It’s little things like those I would say drive my love for music.
BPM: Building your own speaker box and creating a unique musical experience sounds like a memorable part of your childhood. It's interesting how those early moments can shape our passion for music. Taking a trip down memory lane, were there any specific genres or artists that left a lasting impression on you during your formative years?
Narki: From a tender age, music has always surrounded me. In Jamaica, you know when a dance is happening you hear sound systems strung up, and vibes are alive. But I’ve always been drawn to conscious music preferably sounds of artists like Garnett Silk, Dennis Brown, and Beres Hammond, just to name a few, who personally left an impression, inspiring me to pursue singing.
BPM: It's fascinating how the vibrant music culture in Jamaica has influenced your artistic preferences. Moving on, I'd like to delve into the impact of your local community. In what ways has the local community in the Mountainside District influenced your artistic identity and the messages you convey in your music?
Narki: It influenced me in ways that make me believe that, being from Mountainside, I will forever remain humble and grateful. Knowing the struggles, and realizing not everyone has an opportunity like I have, I feel a duty to give hope to others and show them that someone from where they are from got an opportunity and used it wisely.
BPM: Your commitment to remaining humble and giving hope to others is truly commendable. Now, shifting gears a bit, let's reflect on your musical journey. Since 2007, how do you feel you've evolved as an artist, both creatively and personally?
Narki: I feel I have evolved as an artist creatively because the sound I've developed over the years is very unique to who I am personally. I sing songs that organically apply to my true self. Additionally, I believe I have evolved personally on a spiritual level. There are certain things I wouldn't entertain in my music if I knew they didn't align with who I am.
BPM: It’s evident that your journey involves a deep connection between your personal growth and creative expression. Building on that, could you share a particularly memorable or defining moment in your career so far? Something that stands out as a highlight or turning point.
Narki: My defining moment thus far for me has to be Sting 2012. I was supposed to perform on the early segment and I ended up arriving a little late due to many reasons. Although I didn’t get to perform, being backstage with artists such as Chronixx was an inspirational experience. It motivated me to get myself together musically.
BPM: I appreciate you sharing that moment from Sting 2012. Despite the challenges, it seems to have influenced your musical journey. Shifting focus, how do you approach collaborations with other artists or producers? What qualities do you seek in potential collaborators?
Narki: I typically work with energy, avoiding overthinking in the creative process. When seeking potential collaborators, I value genuine, real energy. I firmly believe that energy is everything; it shows when the work is created.
BPM: Your focus on energy and avoiding overthinking in the creative process is intriguing. As you aspire to become an icon in the industry, how do you strike a balance between staying true to your unique sound, driven by that genuine energy, and navigating the commercial aspects of the music industry?
Narki: I try my best to maintain balance by staying grounded and always showing gratitude. Reflecting on my journey from where I started to where I aspire to be, I find it crucial to remind myself that every step has been a part of this transformative journey.
BPM: Your commitment to balance, gratitude, and reflection in your journey is commendable. Shifting the focus to your connection with the audience, can you share how you personally connect with your fans through your music?
Narki: I connect with my audience on a personal level by singing songs I know are from the soul and realistic. There’s nothing fraudulent.
BPM: Your commitment to authenticity in your music is evident. Shifting our focus to your latest EP, Narki, could you provide some insights into the creative process behind it? What themes or inspirations drove the creation of the EP?
Narki: Absolutely! That was my first-ever body of work and it was a thrilling experience for me. After years of making music purely out of love without tangible projects to showcase, the creative process became intentional. My goal was to expand my musical horizons and ensure that the context of each song went beyond simplicity. I aimed for concepts with depth, hoping that a decade from now, the music would resonate with an even larger audience.
BPM: Thank you for sharing your insights into the creation of Narki. Given your versatile approach that spans multiple genres, I’m curious about your future musical aspirations. Are there specific genres you hope to explore, or do you find fulfillment in the versatility your current style provides?
Narki: I appreciate the current versatility in my music because while Jamaica is my foundation, America has also played a significant role in broadening my artistic horizons. It has allowed me to fit in socially and connect with a broader spectrum of people, enriching my overall experience as an artist.
BPM: Thank you for highlighting the influence of both Jamaica and America in shaping your versatile musical style. Building on that, is there something about the music industry or your creative process that you find interesting but isn't often discussed? Something that might offer fans a unique perspective into your journey as an artist?
Narki: Convincing others to see the vision you have for your dream and trusting the musical process can be a tough journey.
BPM: Navigating the journey to realize your vision and trusting the musical process can indeed be challenging. Shifting focus to your recent release “Life,” on the Deadly Smiles riddim produced by 1DussRecords, could you share the creative inspiration behind the song? Additionally, what insights can you provide into the collaboration with 1DussRecords and how that came about?
Narki: The creative process behind the song was sparked by my experiences with friends in Jamaica during my visit in July 2023. I'm a good listener, and during our conversations, I absorbed various viewpoints on matters that deeply resonated with them. These diverse perspectives inspired the essence of this song. Additionally, the collaboration with 1DussRecords, is my blood cousin which added a family-related touch to the project.
BPM: Thank you for sharing the inspiration behind “Life” and the unique family connection with 1DussRecords. Shifting gears a bit, in the age of advancing technology, how has it influenced your approach to making music? Specifically, in terms of production and connecting with your audience through platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok?
Narki: Since I started making music in the early 2000s, social media has always been crucial. Now we realize it's imperative to stay connected and learn different platforms to ensure we adapt to the ongoing changes in the industry.
BPM: Thank you for highlighting the importance of adapting to the changes in the industry. As we conclude our conversation, is there a final message or sentiment you’d like to convey to your fans and our readers? And, looking ahead, what can they expect from Narki in the near future?
Narki: Absolutely, what I would like to convey to my fans and viewers is thanks to all who have been supporting my journey. Your support is greatly appreciated. For those who haven't heard of me yet, please subscribe and check out my music on YouTube (Narki Music) and on Instagram (@narkisway). There's unreleased music in the pipeline, and while I can't reveal too much, rest assured that greatness awaits through unwavering consistency.
BPM: We want to extend our sincere gratitude to Narki for sharing his journey and insights with us. Thank you, Narki, for your time and passion for music. To our readers, we appreciate you taking the time to explore this interview. Stay tuned for more captivating stories from talented artists. Join us next week for another exciting BPM Spotlight Artist of the Week. Until then, keep the music alive and
Photo credit: theghost
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Follow Narki on social media platforms:
TikTok: @narkimusik
YouTube: @narkimusic
Instagram: @narkisway
Soundcloud: @narkimusik
For Bookings:
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Watch “Life”
Watch “Where to Start”
Watch “Don’t Act Like It”
Spotlight Artist - Narki
Photo Credit: theghost
