Hikaliba
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Hikaliba – the full package
Born in the Old Harbour community of Water Lane, HIKALIBA was raised in the harsh reality of poverty. Given the name Morvin Pennent, HIKALIBA was the son of a single mother and he recalls seeing his father only on a few occasions. His life motivation and inspiration he found always in music. During the mid-1990’s HIKALIBA attended the Old Harbour High School where he began creating lyrics and punch-lines before, during and after class. «My uncle always used to ask me what tunes were running the dancehall and I could DJ everyone from start to finish for him, that’s where the real passion came from.»
From Badd Cash to Hikaliba
An avid fan of Dancehall culture HIKALIBA soon became well acquainted with Buju Banton and Bounty Killer. First known under the stage name BABY CASH he changed his name, based on reasonings with Bounty Killer and after much thought, to BADD CASH. As his approach to music, his style and personality evolved, BADD CASH decided to revamp his stage appearance and changed his name to HIKALIBA. The name, derived from «high calibre», represents his aim always to attain the best, at the highest level: be it in his work with his original lyrics, melodies and performances or in his personal life.
Years in Europe
Being in the Bounty Killer led Alliance for a few years, HIKALIBA was noticed and played on the radio but didn’t have the big buzz yet. In 2012 he was invited by the German producer Philltunes to Cologne, Germany, where they recorded several tracks and a video to the song «Call We Name». Experiencing Europe and seeing, how reggae and dancehall music was appreciated and lived there, HIKALIBA decided to expand his collaboration with European producers.
He now turned his focus to Switzerland, where he worked and recorded songs with producers like Max Rubadub or Mr. Mento (from the well-known Swiss Reggae Band The Srucialists) and with Sounds like Irie Shottas and Irie Posse. 2012 and 2013 he performed twice in the Club Coupole in Biel-city, Switzerland, as an opening artist for Laza Morgan and RDX. Back in Jamaica HIKALIBA collaborated with the French producer Marshall Neeko. The resulting song «Nuh Trust Dem», on a groovy European reggae beat, was released on HIKALIBA’s own Label «Make Way Productions».
The buzz
The following years HIKALIBA recorded songs with varying Jamaican producers. With «Lucky Day» and «Soldier», two songs regularly played on Jamaican radio, HIKALIBA won the Red Stripe Big Buss Competition in 2018, which got him on the stage of the renowned Jamaican reggae festival Reggae Sumfest in 2018. Songs like «Contortionist Pan Top» or «Medalist» generated a huge buzz in the same year, followed by «Nuh Cry Again» and «It’s My Time» in 2019.
HIKALIBA continues to work with producers from all over the world. Currently multiple records are in the pipeline which will be released on the label «Make Way Productions». The versatile artist has a highly creative approach to music. When he sings, he can be subtle, when he DJs it is hardcore. HIKALIBA is what we call a full package. Therefore, his motto is: «Music has no boundaries and language is a temporary barrier!»
Contact
For bookings and further information call +1 (786) 991 8366 (USA) or +417 8257 1023 (Switzerland)
or fill in the form below.