As she prepares for a significant musical year, Lila Iké is ignoring the distractions and remaining loyal to her craft.
With new releases and a highly anticipated album this year, the reggae singer, who is renowned for her deep tone and gripping storytelling, is laying the groundwork for an exciting 2025.
She spoke with The Gleaner on Tuesday about her journey, future endeavours, and dedication to the music after a captivating performance at Dub Squad at The Compound, which she views as a centre for musical innovation rather than merely a place.
“The first time I came here, I was rehearsing for a tour. As soon as my drummer showed me the space, I sensed something unique. Any location where musicians congregate is unavoidably special,” she shared.
Lila also commented on the much-discussed Fry Plantain, stating that it is the title of a song on her upcoming album, despite her fans’ conjectures that it was a new brand or business endeavour.
“I collaborated on that song with Joey Bada$$, an American rapper. I met him on the set when I was doing the song with H.E.R, which is another single on the album called He loves us both. And you know, he was like, we should link up to do some music. And, as a Jamaican girl, as an artiste, you know, we love all genres, respect all forms of creativity, so we connected,” she stated.
She’s been on what she refers to as a “feature run,” as she has also done separate collaborations with Mahalia and Agent Sasco. However, her upcoming single is a solo work dubbed Too Late to Lie.
Lila assured fans who have been waiting impatiently for a full-length project, that “this year for sure”.
“We are releasing more singles in the lead-up to it, but I am unable to provide a specific date. This album is one that I’ve been working on for years.”
Lila cleverly avoided commenting on her dating status as Valentine’s Day drew near. “Right now, mi just focused on the music.”
Her international tour starts in March, beginning in London, and then she will head to Japan for performances in Tokyo and Osaka before returning to England to play in Bristol, Manchester, and London.
“It was only my DJ and I when I last went on tour there [England]. This time I’m going back with a band from Japan so I’m looking forward to that. Japanese people really appreciate Jamaican culture. They show a lot of respect to it, based on my experience when I go there. I’m always excited to play music for people who are so far from our culture, because it shows us our reach” she told The Gleaner.
When asked what she would be doing if music didn’t materialise in the way she wanted, Lila said: “I was studying to be a teacher, so I would probably be singing di lesson them. To be honest, I just feel I’m so in love with music, it’s like whatever it is that I’m passionate about is going to be like a franchise of the music. So whether it’s learning to play the guitar, learning to play the drums or the bass, so everything that is my hobby is usually tied into music. I try to affiliate myself with that musical energy. So, I’d feel like, if I’m not literally doing music, I’d be doing something associated with it.”
