In an era when every other song is about ‘scamming’ and ‘gunman’, Lij Tafari Smith A.K.A Lijitimate is taking the road less travelled towards a career in reggae music.
Currently living in Japan, where reggae music is popular, his fusion of modern Dancehall and Reggae is a fitting crossover showcasing his diversity and some pretty interesting scenes forms music video.
He says his ultimate goal is to bring more positive messages of hope to audiences all over the world. In this interview we talk about his plan as a musician and how he will contribute to the Japan-Jamaican music industry.
JR: Lij, where are you from?
Lijitimate: I am originally from Kingston, Jamaica but for all my life I’ve lived in Portmore, St. Catherine.
How did you get into music?
I’ve always been musically involved. From my formative years of singing in prep school where I was chosen to sing with an international gospel artiste
(Kurt Kerr), to eventually going on to lead choirs, sing at functions across Jamaica and so on in my teenage to adult years. I never imagined having an actual career in music even though I loved it. The confirmation came when I moved to Japan, started a Youtube channel, and created a 20 second jingle for my intro. That Youtube intro song became so popular among many people on social media to my surprise and then to top it off, a Jamaican producer heard it, challenged me to make a full song from it and a year later, it is now a reality. Still crazy how all of this happened.
What’s your Japan connection?
I moved here in 2019 with no extraordinary plans but to see the world from a different perspective and be an English teacher. Since then, I think I’ve just gained the confidence to start doing everything I dreamt of.
What are the main differences between Jamaica and the Japan music industry?
As I’m learning, I haven’t had much experience on the Japanese side of the music yet. I did visit Jamaica in September this year specifically to use a Jamaican studio and have Jamaicans work with me on the project. So I guess that’s a question for the future.
You have a keen sense of fashion, where did that come from?
The song states “style and swagger from my father”. My dad and my mother as well have always been big on fashion and style and I think from an early age that was passed on to me. I used to wear his clothes instead of buying clothes when I was working in media in Jamaica, because it was so different. His style is just impeccable.
Who wrote and produced your latest song?
I write all my lyrics, but the song was produced by JimmyQJa, my good friend of East Wing Productions. We were mentored by Anthony Records. They really helped elevate the song.
You are launching in Jamaica and Japan simultaneously?
Yes, the roll out will be simultaneous. Looking forward to getting most of the support from my Jamaican friends, while I try to tap into the Japanese market.
Who directed the music video?
The video was directed by Tyler Crane of Studio Life. He’s my American brother, living in Japan. By the way, we shot the full video in 12 hours (same day). We worked really hard at it. So I’m excited for everyone to see.
Will you be on tour soon?
Haha. Not so fast. That would be great, but for now, I’m just doing the work. I have a lot of music already. My team and I are just trying to work on them carefully so we can always produce quality music and experiences. If it is to happen next year though, I’ll be ready for whatever. One life!
THE WAIT IS OVER! THIS FRIDAY! MIDDAY (ET), is my SZN 🇯🇲🔥.
Follow & Subscribe https://t.co/hEO7Zk7tfD pic.twitter.com/OhkvPFT4uP
— Lij (@lijitimate) November 11, 2021
