Tilibop and Sizzla stand firm on “Dem nuh ready”

Reggae artiste Tilibop has joined forces with Sizzla Kalonji on “Dem nuh ready,” a new single about conviction, preparation and holding firm when others underestimate you. For Tilibop, recording with Sizzla marks a milestone. “I’ve long admired the conviction in his music,” he said. “To bring our voices together on one record meant a great deal. We came with different perspectives, but the message and the energy met naturally.” The single offers a first glimpse of Tilibop’s forthcoming 11-song project, which draws on his Jamaican roots and the life he has built in New York. Born in St Mary and raised in August Town before migrating to the United States, he found an unexpected path into recording when a stranger overheard him singing and invited him to a studio. “That journey runs through the music,” Tilibop said. “It carries the roots I grew up with and the experiences that shaped me in New York. Across 11 songs, I wanted the live musicianship and the stories to show different sides of who I am.” On “Dem nuh ready,” Tilibop and Sizzla address the resolve it takes to keep moving when belief in your vision is far from universal. Tilibop sees the song as an affirmation of his own direction, while leaving room to acknowledge the work of his peers. “There are artistes making meaningful reggae music every day,” he said. “I want to add my voice to that tradition with songs that speak plainly about life, move people and still make them tunup.” Eric Toussaint, Derrick Bourne, Kenneth “Gypsy” Simpson, Tco Mark Bacchus ,Shane Brown and Chris Scott each contributed to the single. Tilibop is also working on music with Capleton, Richie Spice and Bling Dawg. Tilibop calls his artistic mission “The Light of Reggae”—a reflection of the music’s power to offer guidance, courage and hope. For him, that light remains very much alive. “Reggae hasn’t lost its revolutionary spirit,” he said. “You hear it whenever artistes speak truth and stand up for their communities.” His earlier releases include “All That,” “Pirate,” “Psalm”. “Promise Myself” and “Stay.” Through Freeworll Ent Inc., Tilibop continues to build a career guided by a simple belief: “Whatever is your passion, that is your free world.” As for whether he can help lead reggae’s next generation, he would rather let the music make the case. “Leadership is something you earn through consistency, the quality of your work and the way you treat people,” he said.