Jahvillani

Jahvillani, an artist from Jamaica, brings melodic inflections to dancehall while merging socio-political themes with accounts drawn from everyday existence, a combination showcased across his first full-length effort, the 2021 album Dirt to Bentley.

Raised in Great Pond along Jamaica’s northern shoreline, he absorbed the sounds of Buju Banton, Sizzla, and Vybz Kartel during his formative years. Following their example, he issued his debut single, “Hold a Vibez,” in 2013, only two years after completing secondary school. Maintaining a steady output of material in the ensuing period, he established himself as a consistent presence on the dancehall circuit, with cuts such as “Wileside Government” and “Clarks Pon Foot” elevating him among the scene’s leading talents. In 2020 he began preparing a debut EP for the historic imprint VP Records, yet that project was later enlarged into a complete album once its original timetable shifted. Issued in mid-2021, Dirt to Bentley featured contributions from Prince Swanny, Skillibeng, and Kranium.