Jamaican dancehall sensation Masicka has described his nomination for Best Caribbean Music Act at the prestigious Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards as a powerful motivator to continue his authentic musical journey. In an exclusive Friday interview with the Jamaica Observer, the artist emphasized that this recognition transcends personal achievement, representing validation for the entire culture that shaped him.
“This MOBO nomination symbolizes affirmation of the journey—not just mine, but the culture that raised me,” Masicka reflected. “Growing up in Jamaica, you understand music’s power long before global recognition arrives. Being acknowledged on an international platform like MOBO confirms that remaining true to my sound, narrative, and heritage can achieve far-reaching impact.”
The ‘They Don’t Know’ performer elaborated that his creative endeavors have consistently anchored him within cultural traditions. “At this career stage, this nomination reinforces that artistic evolution doesn’t necessitate compromise. While I’ve expanded into new creative territories, my foundation remains unchanged. As Caribbean artists navigate global landscapes, such moments demonstrate our music requires no translation—it carries inherent truth.”
Masicka faces formidable competition from fellow nominees Lila Ike, Ayetian, Shenseea, Vybz Kartel, and Trinidad’s Yung Bredda for the coveted British award, which celebrates black musical excellence across diverse genres. The 30th anniversary MOBO Awards ceremony will occur on March 26 at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena.
The artist’s recent seven-track EP ‘Her Name Is Love’ (released December 2023) represents a deliberate exploration of emotional depth compared to his previous full-length album ‘Generation of Kings’. Masicka clarified this isn’t about audience expansion or identity alteration, but rather presenting a complete artistic portrait.
“‘Generation of Kings’ embodied strength, survival, and dominance, but love has perpetually existed within my music—even during hardest moments,” he explained. “This project intentionally emphasizes that dimension. This isn’t a new direction but an existing pathway I’m now fully exploring. Authentic growth means expanding your core rather than abandoning it.”
Masicka credited Def Jam Records for respecting his artistic vision, granting complete creative freedom to develop the EP’s emotional narratives without commercial pressures. “The label recognized authenticity drives musical connection, trusting me to deliver genuine artistry,” he noted.
The artist particularly valued the project’s rule-free creative environment, describing the process as “refreshingly guided by organic musical development.” He emphasized integrating Afro and R&B elements to enhance emotional storytelling while maintaining his foundational sound, characterizing this approach as “evolution rather than replacement.”