Most Jamaican artistes are thrilled whenever they make their first trip overseas. Many see the dollar signs and potential for a glamorous life.

Upcoming roots singer Karbon has a different view. He likens his debut show in Northern California on January 5 to a pilgrimage made by one of Africa’s greatest leaders.

“I feel a level of great responsibility left in my hands. It reminds me of the first time His Imperial Majesty (Emperor Haile Selassie I) was leaving Ethiopia to develop the state of the land and also the minds of the people,” he said. “My responsibility is to upful (uplift) the global perception of our musical culture.”

Karbon is scheduled to perform at Minto’s Jamaican Restaurant & Bar in downtown Oakland. The gig comes three months after the release of ‘Bang D Bell’, his seven-song EP.

‘Bang D Bell’ contains previously released songs like ‘Lion Roar’, ‘Journey’ and ‘Hesitate’. The lone song recorded exclusively for the EP, ‘Earth A Bleed’, is co-produced by Element Music Group and Clive Hunt.

From rural Manchester in central Jamaica, Karbon started recording music in 2018. Unlike his contemporaries, most of his biggest influences are not from the modern dancehall or neo-roots movement.

He credits Vaughn Benjamin of Midnite, Peter Tosh, Garnet Silk, Tenor Saw, Sugar Minott, Prof I, Ken Boothe and Richie Spice for helping to develop his songwriting and stage craft. Karbon wrote all the songs on ‘Bang D Bell’; his decision to re-release some of his early songs is strategic.

“The released songs I felt never got the promotion it should have, so I don’t think it has reached enough ears and hearts. That’s why I chose one new track amongst those already released so that I could gain more recognition for my first set of songs,” he explained.

Karbon will make his maiden trek overseas in a region that has had a strong reggae community for over 40 years. Northern California is home to long-running shows like Reggae On The River and the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival.

He is also scheduled to perform at Cali Vibes which takes place February 16-18 in Long Beach, Southern California.

(Photo contributed)