IBLACK LION: FAITH, STRUGGLE AND PERSISTENCE IN REGGAE MUSIC
For Jamaican roots reggae artiste IBlack Lion, music has never been about chasing trends or overnight success. It has been a lifelong journey shaped by faith, perseverance, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to telling authentic Jamaican stories. Born Kenroy Williams and raised in Montego Bay, St. James, the independent artiste has spent more than 25 years developing his craft, navigating the challenges of the music industry, and building a catalogue that reflects the realities of everyday life.
Now entering an exciting new chapter with his 13-track album Roots & Reality, IBlack Lion is attracting renewed attention, with the project featured in DancehallMag and reaching No. 36 on the U.S. iTunes Reggae Daily Chart.
The album has also been submitted for consideration in the Best Reggae Album category for the 69th Annual GRAMMY Awards in 2027, marking a significant milestone in his independent musical journey.
In this exclusive interview with Jamweekly Magazine, IBlack Lion reflects on his humble beginnings, his experiences performing alongside established names, the evolution of his music, the importance of independence and ownership, and his determination to represent Jamaica on the international stage.
ROOTS IN MONTEGO BAY, A DREAM THAT NEVER DIED
IBlack Lion’s story begins in Montego Bay, where his early experiences helped shape both his character and musical identity. Growing up, he witnessed the struggles, triumphs, relationships, and everyday realities that would eventually become central themes in his songwriting.
With more than two decades in the business, the artiste emphasises that his journey did not begin yesterday. Behind his growing catalogue are years of studio sessions, financial sacrifices, performances, disappointments, and an enduring belief in his ability to make an impact.
His musical foundation is firmly rooted in reggae, although his versatility extends into lovers rock, dancehall, and other styles. Rather than limiting himself to a particular sound, IBlack Lion draws inspiration from real experiences, creating music that speaks to relationships, family, faith, injustice, survival, and personal growth.
His objective is simple: to create songs that connect with people regardless of where they live or their circumstances.
“When you hear IBlack Lion, you hear stories about relationships, family, struggle, faith, injustice, and overcoming obstacles,” he explains.
The artiste wants listeners from uptown, downtown, and rural Jamaica to recognise themselves in his music. For him, authenticity cannot be manufactured; it comes from lived experiences and a genuine understanding of the people whose stories he shares.
FIVE PROJECTS, ONE MUSICAL JOURNEY
As an independent artiste, releasing a substantial body of work is an achievement that requires determination and financial commitment. IBlack Lion has five major projects available through his distribution, comprising four albums and one EP.
Each project represents a different chapter in his development, revealing his versatility while maintaining the Jamaican foundation that defines his artistry.
His catalogue includes Roots & Reality, a 13-track album reflecting Jamaican culture, faith, personal experiences, and the challenges people encounter daily. Mash Up Di Place highlights his energetic side and ability to entertain, while A Better Place (2026 Remastered) communicates his desire for positive change and a brighter future.
Meanwhile, Love Complications explores the emotional complexities of relationships, love, and disappointment. His EP, Story of a Dream (2016 Remastered), captures the ambition and determination of a young Jamaican artiste who believed his music could reach audiences beyond his homeland.
Although every project holds significance, IBlack Lion considers Roots & Reality his most meaningful accomplishment at this stage of his career.
The album represents growth, independence, and a stronger understanding of the business behind the music. After more than 25 years in the industry, he is increasingly focused on taking control of his recordings, managing his catalogue, and determining how his music is presented to the world.
His journey also includes earlier achievements that helped establish his confidence as a performer. One of his first major musical breakthroughs came in 2005 with the song Push Lady Push, which opened doors to opportunities overseas.
Through his performances and musical pursuits, he has travelled to Canada, the United States, and other Caribbean destinations, continuing to build relationships and introduce audiences to his sound.
For IBlack Lion, these milestones demonstrate that consistent work can produce results, even when success takes longer than expected.
He encourages upcoming artistes to remain committed to their ambitions, reminding them that the roots they plant today can eventually produce the success they hope to see tomorrow.
ROOTS & REALITY
A MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE AND RESILIENCE
Released on July 31, 2026, Roots & Reality contains 13 tracks inspired by life, Jamaican culture, universal struggles, and the importance of giving thanks despite difficult circumstances.
The album’s message is particularly evident in the song Give Thanks for Life, which encourages listeners to appreciate the simple blessing of waking up each day.
IBlack Lion believes that people can become so consumed by what they lack that they overlook the value of the life they have. Through the song, he reminds listeners that gratitude remains important even when circumstances are far from perfect.
The album brings together the experiences of an artiste who has witnessed life’s challenges while continuing to find reasons to remain hopeful.
Its recognition in DancehallMag and its reported position at No. 36 on the U.S. iTunes Reggae Daily Chart represent encouraging developments for an independent Jamaican artiste working to expand his reach.
However, the project’s significance extends beyond chart performance. For IBlack Lion, it represents a body of work that reflects his experiences, beliefs, and continued determination to create meaningful music.
A STEP TOWARD THE GRAMMY® STAGE
One of the most significant developments in IBlack Lion’s career is the submission of Roots & Reality for consideration in the Best Reggae Album category for the 69th Annual GRAMMY Awards in 2027.
For an artiste who began pursuing his musical ambitions in Montego Bay, the opportunity to have his work considered within the GRAMMY process represents a major personal and professional milestone.
The album was distributed through Ditto Music under his independent label name, Kenroy Williams. His management company, K Luv Culture LLC, led by manager Katisha Jallow, has been coordinating the submission, promotional activities, media outreach, and campaign.
Preparing a project for consideration requires more than recording songs. It also involves ensuring that the release, distribution, documentation, and submission are properly organised within the applicable requirements.
IBlack Lion recognises the importance of the team supporting his efforts, including the producers, musicians, collaborators, and industry professionals who have contributed to his musical development.
He is also careful to distinguish between entering the consideration process and receiving an official nomination.
Being submitted for consideration does not mean that an album has been nominated or that an artiste has won a GRAMMY Award. Rather, it represents an opportunity for eligible work to be considered through the award process.
For IBlack Lion, that opportunity is progress in itself.
“Imagine being a youth growing up in Montego Bay with a dream, and more than 25 years later, your music is officially entered into listening ears of people who take their precious time participating into a GRAMMY consideration,” he reflects.
He hopes his experience will inspire independent Jamaican artistes who sometimes feel overlooked or discouraged by the industry’s challenges.
His message is clear: success does not follow the same timeline for everyone, and a longer journey does not mean the work lacks value.
THE LESSONS BEHIND INDEPENDENCE
Throughout his career, IBlack Lion has learned that musical talent alone is not always enough to sustain a lasting career.
One of the biggest challenges has been breaking through as an independent artiste without the financial backing and industry connections that can help others secure radio play, promotion, bookings, and wider exposure.
He understands firsthand the costs associated with recording, releasing, and marketing music. Even when an artiste has quality material, finding the right audience and creating sustainable opportunities can be difficult.
Nevertheless, he has refused to abandon his ambitions.
His childhood experiences remain a source of motivation, reminding him why he entered the music business and what he hopes to accomplish for his family and community.
He also recognises the importance of understanding the business side of music, including ownership, publishing, royalties, and the protection of creative work.
As a younger artiste, his primary concern was getting songs heard and securing opportunities to perform. With experience, he has developed a greater appreciation for the importance of building a business that can sustain his career over time.
Today, his ambitions extend beyond releasing songs. He wants to create a catalogue that continues reaching listeners and generating opportunities long into the future.
For upcoming artistes, his advice is to understand their rights, learn the business, and think carefully about the long-term value of their music.
MUSICAL INFLUENCES AND EARLY EXPERIENCES
IBlack Lion credits Jamaica’s rich musical heritage, particularly roots reggae and its tradition of cultural and spiritual expression, as a major influence on his artistry.
His appreciation for the Nyabinghi tradition has helped shape his connection to the spiritual and cultural dimensions of Jamaican music.
His earlier experiences with Black Mice also played a role in his musical development, giving him valuable exposure as he worked to establish his identity in the industry.
Looking back, he expresses respect for the generations of artistes and musicians who created opportunities for those who followed.
He also recalls memorable experiences from his early performing years, including appearing onstage at approximately 12 or 13 years old alongside Shabba Ranks and Professor Amit in Montego Bay.
Those early moments helped shape his understanding of performance and strengthened his determination to pursue music professionally.
Since 1993, he has performed at Reggae Sumfest on eight occasions, in addition to participating in All Schools Jam events and gaining experience through sound system culture, including African Symbol and other influential musical environments.
His career has also provided opportunities to work with respected artistes, including Junior Reid and Beres Hammond.
These experiences remain important chapters in a journey built through dedication, exposure, and a lasting connection to Jamaican music.
MUSIC WITH A MESSAGE
For IBlack Lion, music serves a purpose beyond entertainment. Whether he is addressing love, family, injustice, or the realities of survival, he wants listeners to discover something meaningful within his songs.
His music acknowledges that everyone has a story and that people often face challenges that others may never fully understand.
Songs such as I Know reflect that understanding, while Give Thanks for Life reinforces the importance of gratitude and perspective.
He also believes that true love, faith, and hope remain powerful themes in a world where people are often confronted with disappointment and uncertainty.
These messages are grounded in his belief that music should reflect real experiences and offer listeners an opportunity to connect with something familiar.
His Jamaican identity remains central to that mission.
Coming from Granville, Montego Bay, he understands the experiences of communities that are not always represented beyond the usual images of Jamaica’s beaches, tourism, parties, and entertainment.
He wants his music to tell a fuller story, one that includes hardworking families, everyday struggles, cultural traditions, and the determination of people who continue pushing forward despite difficult circumstances.
He also hopes to encourage emerging artistes to recognise the importance of protecting their work and developing the knowledge needed to navigate the industry successfully.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORTING JAMAICAN ARTISTES
Throughout the interview, IBlack Lion repeatedly emphasises the role of support in building an independent career.
He appreciates everyone who has contributed to his journey, whether through sharing his music, requesting his songs on the radio, purchasing his releases, attending performances, or helping introduce his work to new audiences.
He also recognises the contribution of his manager and K Luv Culture LLC in expanding the visibility of his catalogue and coordinating opportunities for growth.
However, he believes Jamaican artistes should receive meaningful support before they achieve international recognition.
Too often, he says, local talent receives greater attention only after gaining acceptance overseas. He wants that pattern to change, encouraging Jamaicans at home and across the diaspora to support their artistes while they are actively building their careers.
For him, genuine support can take many forms, and even a single person sharing a song or attending a performance can make a difference.
His appeal is directed toward music lovers, industry professionals, radio personalities, promoters, and communities that want to see Jamaican music continue flourishing.
NEW MUSIC AND FUTURE PLANS
Despite having more than 25 years of experience in the music business, IBlack Lion has no intention of slowing down.
His recent releases include Step Aside featuring Bryka, It Nuh Easy featuring Ginjah, Obey Mommy & Daddy, None Before, Can’t Believe featuring Gucci Flava, System Set Away, and Attitude.
He is also continuing to introduce audiences to the songs featured on Roots & Reality, particularly Give Thanks for Life, while encouraging fans to explore his earlier recordings across digital and social media platforms.
With the support of K Luv Culture LLC, he is pursuing additional performance opportunities, international bookings, collaborations, and promotional initiatives designed to introduce his music to a wider audience.
Looking five years ahead, his goal is to establish IBlack Lion as an internationally recognised reggae artiste with a strong independent catalogue and a lasting musical legacy.
He hopes to perform at major festivals, tour internationally, collaborate with respected musicians, and continue growing his audience.
Equally important is ensuring that his recordings and musical assets are properly managed so that his work can continue reaching listeners for generations.
He also wants to use his experience to help younger artistes make informed decisions about their careers, reminding them that promises of fame should never come at the expense of ownership and long-term security.
PREPARING FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER
The prospect of walking a major international red carpet represents more than glamour for IBlack Lion. It symbolises a dream he has carried since his youth and a goal he has spent years working toward.
His EP Story of a Dream reflects that ambition, representing the journey from imagining a future in music to actively pursuing it.
While he would welcome the opportunity to attend the GRAMMY Awards and represent Jamaica on an international stage, he understands that submission for consideration does not guarantee a nomination or an invitation to the ceremony.
For now, his attention remains on his music, promotional campaign, and long-term development.
If the opportunity to walk that red carpet arrives, he wants to do so knowing that he remained true to himself, respected his roots, and never surrendered his dream.
International recognition would mean a great deal to him personally, particularly because of the pride it would bring to his mother and siblings.
Professionally, it would offer another opportunity to demonstrate the strength and global influence of Jamaican music.
He believes reggae has carried Jamaica’s culture, language, and experiences across the world, proving that a small island can have an extraordinary international impact.
For him, an award would be an honour, but the legacy created through the music would remain the greater achievement.
FAITH, STRUGGLE AND PERSISTENCE
As the interview draws to a close, Jamweekly Magazine asks IBlack Lion to describe his journey from his early musical beginnings to preparing for the possibility of international recognition in just three words.
His answer captures the essence of a career built through years of determination.
Faith. Struggle. Persistence.
Faith represents his belief in his music, even when circumstances seemed difficult.
Struggle reflects the disappointments, setbacks, financial sacrifices, and years of hard work that often went unnoticed.
Persistence represents his decision to keep creating, keep learning, and keep moving forward after more than 25 years in the industry.
Those three words also summarise the message he hopes to share with other independent artistes who are still working toward their breakthrough.
His journey is a reminder that success does not always happen overnight, and recognition may arrive after years of dedication.
But for those who remain committed to their craft, every release, performance, lesson, and opportunity can become part of a larger story.
A MESSAGE TO JAMAICA AND THE WORLD
IBlack Lion closes by giving thanks to the Most High for life, strength, and the ability to continue pursuing his dream.
He expresses appreciation to Jamweekly Magazine for providing a platform to share his story and acknowledges everyone in Jamaica and across the diaspora who has supported reggae music throughout the years.
To those discovering his music for the first time, he invites them to explore his catalogue and learn about the experiences behind the songs.
He encourages listeners to stream his music, share his releases, request his songs on radio, and attend his performances.
Above all, he wants Jamaicans to recognise and celebrate their own talent while artistes are still working to establish themselves.
After more than 25 years in music, IBlack Lion remains committed to his roots, his message, and the dream that first inspired him to pursue a career in reggae.
His journey continues to unfold, supported by faith, strengthened by experience, and driven by the belief that there is still more to accomplish.
As he puts it:
“Mi still deh yah, still a put in di work, and still a represent Jamaica. One love and maximum respect.”
IBlack Lion is not presenting an overnight success story.
He is building a legacy one song, one lesson, and one opportunity at a time.
For an artiste whose journey is defined by faith, struggle, and persistence, the next chapter is still being written.
CONNECT WITH IBLACK LION
Artist: IBlack Lion (Kenroy Williams)Management: K Luv Culture LLCManager: Katisha JallowLatest Album: Roots & RealityDistribution: Ditto MusicGRAMMY® Consideration: 69th Annual GRAMMY Awards — Best Reggae Album, For Your ConsiderationOfficial Website: www.kluvculture.com
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