Rasta Rebel is hoping his latest song, Hot Summer, is this season’s hit. The landscaper got serious about his music only a few years ago; he spoke with Lifestyle about his dream of getting his name recognised around the world.

Q: Have you had any feedback?

A: It’s making waves in Jamaica and if Jamaica accepts it then the world accepts it. I put it on a guy’s site that promotes music, Crush Road, also Akam Entertainment and 18 Karat Reggae in Florida and there’s been no negative feedback yet. I’ve had all likes; everybody loves it. People are showing me love in the streets.

Q: What’s it about?

A: It’s about freeing up yourself. It has a summer vibe and gives people joy. They can dance and sing along at a BBQ, on a boat, at carnival. The chorus came quick. I did it and then the verses. Donald Robinson, of Near Future Records, mixed and mastered it for me.

Q: How long been writing/producing songs?

A: I was into dancehall reggae when I was young. I used to sing other’s people songs. I didn’t know I would take it seriously like I do now, I just knew I loved it. I’ve been doing it seriously for the last two or three years and got really good at it. I’ve learnt how to get melody, lyrical content and delivery.

Q: Do you sing while you work?

A: Always. Sometimes I get a melody in my head when I’m working and I have to wait to go home and record it, write it down. If I forget the melody, the lyrics I had don’t make sense.

The melody is the main part, the hardest part. Anybody can put words together.

Q: What’s your long-term goal?

A: To become mainstream with my brand, where I’m recognised worldwide as a cultural reggae dancehall artist. I’m a Rasta so it’s got to be cultural first. I want people to support the journey I’m on, one that is poised for greatness. I haven’t performed in a while. When it comes to promotion, doing it yourself is very hard because you’ve got so many other things to do. Hopefully someone will notice my talent and come to me with the right agreement.

Listen to Hot Summer and other Rasta Rebel songs on iTunes, YouTube and other music sites