My Reggae World: Blvk H3ro Discusses His Musical Journey & the Future of Reggae

“Don’t go on pretending to be someone you can not”, words once sung by reggae recording artist Sizzla. This principle of authenticity permeates reggae music as each artist must stay true to themselves and their sound. The reggae world is changing, especially with newer more modern sounds coming onto the scene. Yello got in touch with Blvk H3ro (pronounced Black Hero), a singer, songwriter from “the new wave of Jamaican [reggae] artistes”. He sheds some light on the impact of reggae from then until now, and the exciting future of reggae.

When did your love for reggae begin?

 My love for reggae really began at a tender age. I can remember hearing my parents and grandparents vibing to classic reggae songs, and I think from then a seed was planted that led to a love for my culture and the sounds etched within. 

How did you come up with the name Blvk H3ro?

 Well, the name Blvk H3ro came to me at my lowest moment in life as a whisper in my ear from the almighty. This all happened during an intense period of discovery, trying to figure out my purpose, and I found myself all alone with only a dream, no friends, and no family. It was at a time in my life when I needed a hero for myself! And that voice within saved me, and said I was a hero. I remember I found myself saying ‘black hero’ over and over and everything just clicked into place. It all started to make sense after that.

What is your favourite reggae song?

 Wow! My fav reggae song, now that’s hard to pick, but I can say my favourite reggae album is ‘Da Real Thing’ by Sizzla.

Who are your top three favourite reggae music icons (past & present)?

 • Ini Kamoze.

 • Sugar Minott.

 • Sizzla.

What do you think is the impact of Reggae Month socially & culturally over the last 5 years?

 Reggae Month is a moment of focus for us lovers of culture. It is a time of reflection on what has been and also when we look towards the future of the music and how it reflects the culture and the people within it. 

What do you think about the changing sounds of reggae music in modern times, as opposed to the sounds of Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, and the likes?

 I’m part of that movement to try new sounds so I think it’s very exciting. The traditional sounds were experimental when they first came out until they became accepted, so I think it’ll all work out for us too.

Where do you see reggae music in the next 15 years?

 I see reggae music in outer space playing loud in the spaceships! Honestly, I see the genre just being an immortal sound for the world, the sound that speaks to our collective hurt, pain, struggles, success, and everything that we have experienced here on earth.

What music projects are you working on now?

 I’m currently working on another full-length project, an album of new sounds that’s slated for release this year, and I’m also dreaming up a world tour, but we’ll wait to see based on the climate of the world.