KING TAPPA
Mashup Reggae Co.
My mission is to spread positivity
King Tappa is an International reggae singer based in Florida. He has been in the music industry for well over fifteen (15) years. Starting his music career first as a DJ in his early teens through college and his twenties. Music has always been a big part of his family. King Tappa remembers singing and free styling at the age of 14 and four years later, it comes as no surprise that he decided to take music seriously. Beginning as a DJ he established Power Sound and went by the name DJ Tappa. He got the opportunity to perform at many venues within the tri-state area and even outside the United States. The highlight of his DJ career has been performing with Stone Love at Da Culture Lounge Fredrickstead, St.Croix U.S.V.I in 2005.
King Tappa a prominent figure in the Florida reggae music scene, recently sat down with Mashup Reggae to discuss everything reggae.
Q) Can you tell us about your journey in the music industry and how you got to where you are today?
King Tappa: "I started in music as a DJ back in 1995 while in high school. I did that for many years before I took on writing and singing. I started taking music more seriously in 2007 and started singing and writing my own songs. In 2009 I decided to focus on it solely and take a break from being a Dj to write, record and perform more."
Q) Your latest album "9 to 5" touches on various topics ranging from relationships to social issues. Can you walk us through the creative process of making this album?
King Tappa: "This album took a few years to put together since i compiled songs from over the years, songs I had written many years ago to songs that were more recent. So it was just a range of different situations and feelings I’ve encountered. I also worked with various producers throughout the years so the songs are from older and newer producers on there. All of the songs were recorded at my home studio and were sent out to be mixed and mastered."
Q) Can you tell us about a specific song on "9 to 5" that holds a special meaning to you, and why?
King Tappa: "Reggae music is the one song that holds a lot of meaning to me. The reason being that all my years in college music was something that I couldn’t run away from no matter how I tried . Music has been a calling since then and although while in college I didn’t foresee myself as a singer. I always ignored the feeling of writing or performing because I didn’t feel that is what I was made for; I had no choice to come to terms with the fact that this is what I was born to do."
Q) You have been performing both locally and internationally in places like Canada, the Caribbean, and Nairobi Kenya Africa. Is there a specific performance that stands out to you?
King Tappa: "My performance is Nairobi Kenya stands out the most to me. Visiting the motherland was always a dream and I never thought that that would happen. To visit and to get to perform was the best dream come true and also the response and support was unbelievable."
Q) Your work is known for its versatility and signature tone. Can you talk to us about how you developed your sound and style?
King Tappa: "My sound and style came from listening to many different artists like Beres Hammond, Tenor Saw, Nitty Gritty to name a few. Also from being a DJ I get to listen to so many different voices and different styles, it helped me to create my own style. I didn’t want to sound like anyone else but myself. "
Q) In addition to being a musician, you are also the president of Project Book Bag. Can you tell us more about this initiative, how it got started, and how people can get involved?
King Tappa: "I started project book bag in 2006 when I visited my elementary school back in my homeland Dominica. I wanted to give back to my community. However when I did it the first time I just felt the need to give more and not just my community but my country as a whole. So I kicked off the project on my return to New Jersey and made it that I donated to a different elementary school on the island each year. People can get involved by reaching out to me via my website. I always announce when I am ready to host any fundraising events for the project."
Q) In addition to your music and Project Book Bag, do you have any other projects you are passionate about?
King Tappa: "I am passionate about writing and producing for other artists. I recently produced an album “sand bay Riddim” that featured other reggae artists that are up and coming. I like to encourage other artists that are serious about music. I also am passionate about my designs for my merch so I am constantly creating artwork for my store."
Q) What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are just starting their careers in the music industry?
King Tappa: "I would advise them to study music, do their research, learn as much as they can about the business side of music. Also, I would encourage them to be professional in what they put out since they are the face of their brand."
Q) What upcoming projects or events can fans of King Tappa look forward to?
King Tappa: I am currently working on new content, music videos and some shows.
Q) Finally, what message do you hope people take away from your music, and what impact do you hope to have on the world through your art?
King Tappa: "I hope people understand that my message in my music is love. I hope when people listen to my music they feel the love. My mission is to spread positivity through my music and to bring unity amongst people."
