In an emotional and honest conversation with 4eva Sasha, rising star Byron Messia reflects on the pressures of fame, his hit “Talibans,” and the mental challenges that often go unseen in the music industry.
Speaking exclusively to WORLMAG, Byron shares his journey from St. Kitts & Nevis to the world stage—and what it’s really like to live in the spotlight. The dancehall sensation sheds light on how music has been both therapy and burden, and why more artists need to speak up about their internal battles.
“It’s not every day you get to talk about the person behind the artist,” Byron shares. “There’s a lot of weight we carry that the public doesn’t see.”
Watch the full interview below and follow Worlmag for more real Caribbean stories.
The Impact of Jamaica’s Partner Draw/Round Robin System on the Entertainment Industry Globally
What started as a means to save and accumulate money in the late 50s,60s, etc, for women who didn’t have bank accounts and families who were planning for future endeavors has evolved and remained an integral part of not only Jamaican culture, but Caribbean lifestyle.
The Jamaica Partner draw/Round Robin system (sou-sou, susu, box money, meeting turn, Partner Hand, merry-go-round, Pawdna, San in the Dominican Republic, and Njangi in Cameroon, etc ) has been a long-standing tradition deeply rooted in the Jamaican culture. Historically, these practices have served as a way for individuals to save money, socialize, and support local businesses. However, as these traditions have spread to diaspora communities in the UK, Canada, and the US, they have evolved in ways that are impacting the entertainment industry both locally and globally.
In the diaspora communities, these events have taken on a new form, utilizing DJs to provide entertainment throughout the week, mirroring the weekend entertainment lineups at heavily discounted rates. This has led to a shift in consumer behavior, with individuals becoming reluctant to pay weekend admission fees when they can experience similar lineups at a fraction of the cost during the week. Additionally, the traditional round robin events, where each business hosts an event on their premises, have transformed into larger-scale gatherings at a single venue, attracting non-event-based promoters who capitalize on the industry without contributing to its growth.
sou-sou, susu, box money, meeting turn
As a result, local week-to-week events in clubs, banqueting suites, and halls – the heart of the entertainment industry – have experienced a decline in attendance and revenue. The unsustainable nature of this trend raises concerns about the future of these events and the overall health of the industry. The rise of alternative events such as outdoor festivals, BBQs, weekenders overseas, and concerts for reggae and dancehall artists has become more popular, but at the expense of traditional local events.
Addressing this issue requires a sustainable solution that balances the cultural significance of Jamaican Partner draw and Round Robin events with the need for a thriving and diverse entertainment industry. One potential approach could involve fostering partnerships between traditional event organizers and new promoters to create innovative and inclusive events that attract a broader audience. Additionally, investing in creative marketing strategies and expanding event offerings to appeal to a wider demographic could help revitalize the local entertainment scene.
sou-sou, susu, box money, meeting turn
Moreover, collaboration and community engagement are essential in addressing these challenges, as they are not confined to a single location but have become an international issue affecting the global diaspora. A more sustainable and vibrant entertainment ecosystem can be established by fostering a collaborative approach among stakeholders, including event organizers, artists, venues, and attendees.
sou-sou, susu, box money, meeting turn
In conclusion, while the Jamaica Partner draw/Round Robin system has played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of diaspora communities, their impact on the entertainment industry requires careful consideration and strategic planning. By acknowledging the evolving nature of these traditions and embracing innovative solutions, we can ensure that the industry continues to thrive and evolve in a way that benefits everyone involved.
Vybz Kartel – “Join the Team” Review
Produced by Big Win Music
Vybz Kartel returns with “Join the Team”, a vibrant, feel-good track that blends dancehall energy with nostalgic hip hop flair. Produced by Big Win Music, the beat carries undeniable echoes of Busta Rhymes’ “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See”—from its smooth groove to Kartel’s playful mimicry of Busta’s signature flow. But this is no imitation—this is Kartel in full command, tipping his hat while carving his own lane.
vybz kartel join the team
Lyrically, the track is a clever mix of flex and foresight. Kartel boasts a waiting list just to “join the team,” highlighting the perks and pitfalls of his circle. He delivers fair warning: while prosperity comes with the package, there’s always a fine print. It’s witty, charismatic, and layered, as only Kartel can do.
The video adds to the vibe, visually matching the song’s bounce and bravado. Notably, Scatta makes a cameo appearance, and there are name-drops of legends like Busta Rhymes and Bounty Killer, reminding listeners that this is more than a tribute. “Join the Team” is Kartel showing that even while having fun, he’s still pushing creative boundaries. It’s homage, it’s innovation, and it’s undeniably Kartel.
Dexta Daps & Stalk Ashley – Real Bad Gyal (#RBG)
🎚️ Produced by Dretegs | 📀 Released by Dexta Daps Music
Dexta Daps & Stalk Ashley – Real Bad Gyal (#RBG)
After weeks of anticipation and photo teasers lighting up social media, Dexta Daps and Stalk Ashley finally deliver with “Real Bad Gyal” — and it’s every bit the sultry, seductive, slow-burn anthem fans were hoping for.
Right out of the gate, the duo wastes no time: trading flirtatious lines early in the track, they set the tone with warmth and chemistry that feels effortless and electric. Dretrags’ production creates a moody, melodic landscape where steamy lyrics and hypnotic melodies wrap around each other like smoke and skin.
The Now or Never-directed video turns up the heat visually. From city views to bike ride adventures, it mirrors the musical tension and tease, turning the track into a cinematic experience. The steam? Equal parts visual and vocal.
This isn’t just a collab — it’s a ride. And one thing’s clear: “Real Bad Gyal” is not a track you wait on. It’s one you press play on NOW — and don’t make the mistake of never.
Rajahwild electrified the stage at OVO Wembley Arena during the Alkaline New Rules Tour, captivating the audience and igniting a party atmosphere that had fans wilding out from start to finish.
Rajahwild kicked off the show with a captivating intro that made innovative use of audio-visual technology, setting the stage for what was to come. The crowd was pumped up as Rajahwild made his grand entrance to the infectious beats of the Cash Code-produced ‘Planet to Planet’, immediately grabbing everyone’s attention and setting the tone for a high-energy performance.
Rajahwild New Rules Worlmag
Instead of relying on dancers, Rajahwild chose to focus on interaction with his DJ, creating a unique dynamic that allowed for a more intimate connection with the audience. Tracks like ‘Another Day Another Dollar’ had fans enthusiastically participating, punctuated by loud salutes that reverberated throughout the arena.
The setlist seamlessly transitioned from the dynamic energy of ‘Monster’ to the heartfelt ballad ‘100 Mile’, showcasing Rajahwild’s versatility as an artist. The audience was then invited to sing along to hits like ‘Inferno’ and ‘Lights Off’, creating moments of unity and shared excitement among fans.
Rajahwild New Rules Worlmag
The atmosphere reached a fever pitch with the performance of ‘Dolly House’, followed by Rajahwild’s signature songs ‘Wild Out’ and ‘GoGo’, which had the entire arena erupting with energy. The stage exit was a fitting conclusion to a night filled with unforgettable moments and left fans craving more.
Rajahwild’s magnetic stage presence, innovative use of technology, and ability to connect with the audience through music and interaction made the Alkaline New Rules Tour a truly memorable experience that had fans wilding out in the best way possible.
Armanii kicked off the New Rules tour at OVO Wembley Arena with an electrifying entrance that set the tone for the entire night. Using Mavado’s “When You Feel Only” sample, accompanied by skilled dancers, created a dynamic and engaging experience for the audience right from the start.
Throughout the performance, Armanii showcased a range of hits including ‘You & I’ and ‘Hulu’. The intimate moment when a mic stand was brought out for the performance of ‘How You Feel’, accompanied by a solo dancer, was particularly special and resonated with the female members of the audience.
Armanii New Rules worlmag
Armanii’s collaborations with Malie Donn on tracks like ‘7:00’ and ‘8:00 PM’ were undoubtedly crowd-pleasers, eliciting spirited sing-alongs from the audience. The addition of ‘Dunce Barbie’ added a playful element to the performance, showcasing Armanii’s versatility and ability to connect with fans on a deeper level.
Armanii New Rules worlmag
The performance culminated with high-energy tracks like the Konshens-sampled ‘Bubble’ and DJ Mac-produced ‘Haad (Fiesta)’, leaving fans ecstatic and thoroughly satisfied. Armanii masterfully curated a setlist that balanced intimacy and energy, showcasing their talent as a performer and leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
