INTERVIEW : POPCAAN
Interview by : Alexandre Tonus
Pictures by : Sébastien Jobart & Benoit Collin
on Tuesday, March 27th 2012 - 15 300 views
He is the artist of the moment. Since his mentor Vybz Kartel went behind bars, Popcaan has taken over. Everybody wants him, his name is on every lip and the hits keep coming. Having emerged on the scene in 2009, the young deejay enjoyed a meteoric rise alongside Kartel and his Portmore Empire. There was reason to doubt his ability to carry on alone, but exactly the opposite has happened. Popcaan steers his own ship with a master's hand, keeping his feet firmly on the ground.
We meet him in a smart residential neighbourhood in the hills above Kingston. After getting past the Cerberus at the entrance to the compound, we discover a villa without a single stick of furniture, where a recording session has been set up. Interview.
Reggaefrance / Popcaan, thank you very much for your time. It's a pleasure to meet you. What were you working on just now? It sounded like hip-hop...
Popcaan / It's one of Major Lazer's upcoming projects. It's going to be an international hit. Bruno Mars is supposed to feature on it, but I can't say too much about it yet...
How does it feel to be the man of the moment?
It feels very good, because I've worked hard and it's paying off. There are quite a few youths who get their chance and don't use it, they don't create opportunities for themselves. It's just a one shot for them. So I work hard, and that's a good thing, I keep making my music for my fans, keeping it clean.
As you say in your song: "all a dis come in like it's a dream"...
That's for sure. I'm living in a dream right now, simple as that.
This is the first time we've met you. Can you tell us more about your beginnings in music?
I've always been a DJ, all my life. I received my talent as a gift from God. I was already a DJ during my school years, but I didn't take it seriously. Until the moment one of my friends started to break through. Then I started to look at things more seriously and I got close to Vybz Kartel. And it's Vybz Kartel who introduced Popcaan to the world, so thanks to the "World Boss". Free the "World Boss", now.
How did you join the Portmore Empire?
It was at a party called "My scheme". Vybz Kartel was the special guest and was due to perform there. I just asked him if I could do a song and he said yes. I got myself noticed and he told me to come back and meet him in the studio. From the moment I joined him in the studio, it was good, there was no going back.
What was the first song you recorded?
It was a song for Not Nice, called Wine. It was before I broke through professionally. But it's the first song that got people to recognise Popcaan, it gave me a boost.
We've already seen you in Paris, on stage, with Vybz Kartel; what did you learn from him, on stage and in the studio?
I learned an enormous amount from Vybz Kartel, because he's a guy who really takes music seriously, who works very seriously, both to perform on stage and to record a song. I learned almost everything from Vybz Kartel. I started listening to him when I was at school.
Have you had any news of him?
His family visits him. I sent him a message to support him. I always stay in contact with his family to be kept informed. Because you must not bite the hand that feeds you, you know, never.
Precisely, you're one of the only Portmore Empire artists who never left, whereas many passed through and left again...
That's how it works. Never sold out.
Today, are you the one managing the Portmore Empire... in place of Vybz Kartel?
I don't manage the Portmore Empire. I just play my role as the prefect. It's not as if, once Vybz Kartel was in prison, I told myself I was now the one in charge of Gaza. I'm in charge of Popcaan. Vybz Kartel is in charge of the Portmore Empire, he's still the leader. Me, I'm still the prefect.
And who is your manager today?
Right now, it's Creative Source.
What about an album? You already have lots of songs out...
I'm starting work on the album this year. Normally between the end of this year and the beginning of next year, you can expect a Popcaan album, fresh as water.
And do you already have a few details on that? Which producers will you be working with?
It's in progress, so I can't really say for now. Time will tell...
Since your hit Ravin', people call you the "Ravin' King". Is the essence of your music about partying and having a good time?
No, not at all. Remember that I sang Gangsta city and songs like that, that I sang Clarks. What I sing about isn't limited to one subject, so people also took an interest in the party side. And my songs have been anthems in the parties and still are. So automatically, that makes me the "Ravin' King".
At the moment, you have three big hits getting lots of play on the radio, on TV and in the dances, , Only man she want and Party shot". Which do you prefer?
(Laughs) I'd say it's Clean all the same. I love Clean. When I go to Suriname for the weekend, I have to sing Clean at least six times, it's one of people's favourite songs.
Cleanliness is a classic subject in dancehall lyrics.
Yes. It has several meanings, you know. So we have to stay clean.
Will we see you in Europe again? Solo this time?
In June. I'm supposed to be in Europe for the whole of June. In France too. I should be passing through quite a few places...
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