French-Caribbean Reggae artist Yaniss Odua is making waves in the Jamaican market with the release of his latest single, “Lighta.” Dropped on February 18, the track fuses reggae, dancehall, and French-Caribbean influences, reflecting Odua’s signature sound and his ability to craft relatable, infectious anthems.
Born in Martinique and based in France, Odua has spent two decades captivating audiences worldwide with singles like “La Caraïbe,” “Rouge Jaune Vert,” and “Chalawa,” serving up tens of millions of streams on YouTube.
Produced by the legendary Clive Hunt alongside Jimmy Zaccardelli, “Lighta” is a playful yet universally understood track that taps into a common experience among smokers and reggae lovers—the mysterious disappearance of lighters. “You have a lighter now, and in two hours, it’s gone. Somebody has taken it,” Odua laughs. Beyond its humor, the song embodies Odua’s gift for transforming everyday moments into songs that resonate with listeners across cultures.
Inspired by reggae legends such as Jacob Miller, Peter Tosh, Sanchez, and Bushman, Odua blends his Caribbean heritage with European influences to create a unique sound that bridges cultures and generations.
The new single was recorded at the iconic Tuff Gong Studios in Kingston and accompanying the release is a high-energy music video directed by Maxime Rey & Hood with production support from Gwaan Films and Pete Beng.
With a growing presence in Jamaica, Odua continues his mission of uniting audiences through music. His transition from dancehall to conscious reggae has earned him a dedicated fan base spanning Europe, the Caribbean, and Africa. Now, with “Lighta,” he makes a bold statement in the Jamaican reggae scene, bringing his distinctive sound and storytelling to new ears.
