Kabaka Pyramid Tops Billboard's Next Big Sound Chart

Singer Kabaka Pyramid, who has made strides with radio-friendly songs including No Capitalist, King Kabaka, and Free from Chains, has got the thumbs-up from the music business' most respected publication.

Last week, he was ranked number one artiste on Billboard Magazine's Next Big Sound chart.

The Next Big Sound list ranks the 15 fastest moving artistes weekly. The acts are selected from major social music sites, and are projected to achieve major success.

The recognition is no surprise to Kabaka, who has for the past three years utilised social media to get his music out to a wider audience.

"Ranked number one on the Next Big Sound chart signifies the hard work put in on social media; Facebook, Sound Cloud, twitter and all platforms. This gives fans access to the music and I love to interact with my fans," Kabaka said during an interview with the Observer last week.

The artiste, whose real name is Keron Salmon, has worked feverishly to get the breakthrough. Making hit songs, he believes, is over-rated.

"Some people think it's about finding the big hit song or getting the big buss. I do music on a natural level. We have to be patient and put in the hard work. My goals are spiritual and music is a way for me to express growth," he reasoned.

Originally from Mona in upper St Andrew, the 28 year-old Kabaka attended Campion College before going on to earn a degree in Electronics and Computer Technology at Orlando's Devry University.

"The love for music was always there even when I was attending university. In 2002 I started to write songs. Later on I developed my voice and delivery. It was in 2009 that I decided that I was ready to step out as a vocalist," he revealed.

Influenced by Buju Banton, Sizzla and Spragga Benz, Kabaka says he tries to bring something fresh to the table. Recording and performing with a live band, he says, reinforces that.

Signed to Bebble Rock Music, he has worked with several Jamaican producers including Equinoxx and Chimney Records. Overseas he has recorded for Irie Vibrations, Oneness Records and Reggaeville.

In 2011, Kabaka released the EP, Rebel Music. In June, he is set to release his second EP which he says is a compilation of songs from different producers.

It includes collaborations with Jah Sun, Protoje, Exco Levi, Tarrus Riley, Chronixx and Sizzla.

Last year, Kabaka Pyramid was part of the Ready Fi Di Road Tour which did 14 dates in Europe. He has shows lined-up in late July in the United States including Reggae On The River festival in California and the North West Reggae Festival in Oregon.