Warrior-ess of the Light: Kazayah on Music, Message, and Staying True
- dancehallleaguejm
- Aug 8, 2025
- 3 min read
Born in the United States but deeply rooted in the Caribbean diaspora, this rising reggae songstress is redefining what it means to be a modern-day warrior-ess in music. While exposed to genres like R&B, Dancehall, Calypso, and Country, it was Roots Reggae that ultimately captured her heart and creative soul.
“The moment I heard Roots Reggae for the first time, it spoke directly to my soul,” she shares. “The message in the music felt like icing on the cake—it’s exactly the offering I want to give to the world.”
That message is one of spiritual awareness, empowerment, and cultural pride. And for her, it's not just music—it's a calling. She views her art as a vehicle to defend light in dark places, especially where it often goes unseen. Her deep spirituality is the pulse of her creativity, rooted in her evolving journey of faith.
Though she was raised in a Seventh-day Adventist household with strong biblical principles, her path led her to Rastafari—a philosophy and lifestyle that affirmed her Blackness, her heritage, and her purpose.
“Rastafari gave me pride in my Blackness and culture,” she explains. “It opened my eyes to how deeply we’ve been conditioned to feel less than. It empowered me.”
Navigating Two Worlds: Reggae and Rastafari as a Woman
In the traditionally male-dominated space of reggae—and within the Rastafarian movement—the road has not been without its challenges. But she remains undeterred.
“As a woman, my focus is on protecting my space—whether in business or personal interactions. As a Rastafari woman, the challenge has often been the pressure to compromise, whether it’s in the message or how I present myself publicly.”
Still, her mission remains unchanged: stay true to the message. Whether she’s building a roots riddim or experimenting with genre fusion, her priority is ensuring that her music remains constructive and spiritually enriching.
Staying Grounded, Reaching Higher
Her influences span continents and genres, reflecting the depth and versatility of her sound. From Marvin Sapp and Aretha Franklin to Bob Marley, Dezarie, Midnite, and India Arie, her musical palette is rich and intentional. “At the core of it all is the message,” she emphasizes.
But artistry in today’s world goes beyond sound—it lives on screens, in stories, and on timelines. She’s embraced this reality by merging fashion, visuals, and affirmations into her brand, using social media to create immersive experiences for her fans.
“You have to be super creative when it comes to content now. I use styling, jewelry, and visuals paired with meaningful quotes to tie everything together. It’s all part of the message.”
A Defining Moment: Sharing the Stage with Ziggy Marley
Few experiences have confirmed her path more than opening for Ziggy Marley—not once, but nine times. “The love and energy I received from thousands of strangers showed me that the message is reaching people. That’s when I knew: this is what I’m meant to do.”
Looking Ahead: Expansion, Experimentation, and Elevation
When asked who she’d most love to collaborate with, her answer is swift and sincere: Stevie Wonder.
“He’s a musical genius. The range, the message, the longevity—there’s so much I could learn from working with him.”
As for what fans can expect next? A lot more. More music. More visuals. More genre-blending. While reggae remains her foundation, her upcoming projects will see her exploring a wider range of sounds, reflecting the many influences that have shaped her artistry.
“People often expect R&B or soul when they see me, but my music has always been deeply spiritual. I’ve had to listen to my own lyrics just to make it through. That’s the kind of music I want to keep making—music that heals and uplifts.”
Whether on stage or in the studio, one thing is clear: this artist isn’t just making music—she’s creating medicine for the soul.
