Wilful Skilful reflects on 15-year journey with debut EP ‘Growth’

Jamaican dancehall artist Wilful Skilful has marked a significant milestone in his musical journey with the release of his debut EP titled ‘Growth’ on March 28. The title reflects both his personal and professional evolution after spending fifteen years honing his craft in the competitive music industry.

The seven-track collection features several previously released singles, including the collaborative piece ‘Ambitious’ with Australia-based artist Dasvibes, who shares roots in Seaview Gardens—the same Kingston community where Wilful Skilful was raised. This connection adds a layer of authenticity to their musical partnership.

In an interview with Observer Online, the artist explained his philosophical approach to the project: ‘Growth is a powerful word that reflects your past and shows your future. Things are good in my life; I might not have everything I need but I’m on the way.’

The track ‘Ambitious’ has gained additional exposure through its inclusion on ‘Dancehall Nice Again,’ a 2025 compilation album produced by Dasvibes that features artists from France, Spain, Africa, and Latin America. Wilful Skilful credits this international platform with expanding his reach: ‘It’s different coverage, so it gives me a wider fan base. I get different coverage on the Europe side, because different selectors are playing the song.’

The artist’s musical foundations were shaped by his upbringing in West Kingston’s Denham Town before relocating to Seaview Gardens in the mid-1990s—a community known for its vibrant dancehall scene that produced influential acts like Bounty Killer, whom Wilful Skilful cites as his primary musical influence.

The ‘Growth’ EP also includes other notable tracks such as ‘Call On Me,’ ‘Run Up,’ and ‘Mus Overcome,’ a collaboration with reggae veteran Wayne Wonder, demonstrating the artist’s versatility and connection to both dancehall’s legacy and its contemporary evolution.