Amani Knight aka Nite (pronouce 'night') is a famous dancehall artiste, known by his friends a cold nigga who only think about his career while the world knows him as a hot single singer.
The sound of my own voice filled the studio, cutting through the static-laden airwaves of a local radio station. Aaron had the volume cranked up, his fingers drumming against the coffee table in time with the beat. The song-Call Mi If, my collab with Tory Lanez, had been released for less than a few hours, and it was already everywhere.
"Big tune! Pull it up!" the radio host shouted, and Aaron laughed, his face glowing with triumph.
I leaned back in my chair, arms crossed. I wasn't one for showing my emotions, but Aaron knew me too well to miss the faint curve of a smile tugging at my lips.
"Yuh hear dat?" Aaron said, pointing at the speaker as if I hadn't been listening. "Di whole island lock in."
"Mi hear," I replied, my tone casual, but the pride in his voice was unmistakable.
Aaron sat down, his expression turning serious. "And it nuh stop deh so. Dem stream it like crazy pon Spotify and Apple Music...Even youtube. Mi even get calls from di States. Nite, mi nuh think yuh understand how big dis really is."
I nodded slowly. I always believed in my music, but seeing it resonate on such a scale was something else entirely and because of the international artiste persons were also streaming my old songs too. I pulled out my phone, scrolling through my social media feed. Comments and messages poured in from fans across the world, Jamaica, the U.S., even as far as Europe and Africa.
Aaron leaned forward, excitement flashing in his eyes. "Mi seh, yuh need fi ride di wave. Reach out fi some big collabs. Qyor, Kranium, Masicka, Mavado. Wi could lock di whole dancehall scene."
I thought for a moment, then gave a small nod. "Do it. Link dem up."
Aaron grinned, already tapping away on his phone.
Later that week, the buzz around Call Mi If reached its peak. Tory Lanez was preparing to leave the island, but before he did, we decided to give Kingston a night to remember. I had already been booked to perform at a popular club downtown, and the timing was perfect for a surprise performance of our hit song.
The club was packed by the time I arrived, the air thick with sweat, smoke, and the unmistakable energy of a good night out. The bass thumped through the walls, and the crowd moved like a single, pulsing organism.
Aaron and Dejaun flanked me as they entered, cutting through the sea of people with practiced ease. My presence commanded attention without me even trying; heads turned, whispers spread, and by the time I reached the stage, the crowd was already chanting my name.
Kemoy was at the turntables, a grin splitting his face as he greeted Nite with a fist bump. "Yuh ready fi mash up di place, boss?"
"Always," I replied, my tone cool but firm.
The set began with some of my biggest tracks. I started with Figure It Out, my voice slicing through the heavy beats with precision. The crowd roared, their energy feeding into my performance. From there, I rolled into Flight Mode and No Underwear, each song building the momentum until the entire club felt like it might explode. Tifa then walked in on stage and we capivate them with Jealous Ova. Soon as she went off I moved to Mi C Mi Bed N Miss U, Owner, Love Vocation, Ride.
When I launched into Good Time, the vibe shifted slightly, the crowd swaying and singing along, their voices melding with mine. By the time I hit Real Know Real, the floor was a storm of movement, everyone caught up in the rhythm.
Then the beat faded, and I the mic, turned to wipe my face, my voice cutting through the noise. "Kingston, unu ready fi dis?"
The crowd erupted, their cheers shaking the walls. Tory Lanez stepped onto the stage, the spotlight catching him as he raised a hand in greeting. The energy in the room reached a fever pitch.
"Dis one fi di people," I said, and with that, Kemoy dropped the beat for Call Mi If.
The performance was electric. Tory and I moved seamlessly, our voices weaving together as the crowd sang along to every word. Phones lit up the room, capturing the moment for social media as fans swayed and shouted, their excitement palpable.
By the time the song ended, the crowd was a chaotic mix of screaming, jumping, and clapping. Tory turned to me, giving him a nod of respect before stepping offstage. After the performace Kemoy played some music and the people enjoyed themselves dancing and drinking.
As I stepped into the VIP lounge after my set, the adrenaline still pumping through my veins, I spotted Tasha near the bar. She was impossible to miss, her outfit shimmering under the club's neon lights, her smile bright and flirtatious as she talked to a group of guys.
I sighed, running a hand over my face. She always had a way of showing up when I least wanted to see her. Tasha caught my eyes and made her way over, her hips swaying to the beat of the music.
"Big man!" she said, her voice teasing. "Yuh a star tonight."
"Tasha," I said flatly, not bothering to hide my irritation. "Wha' yuh doin' yah?"
"Mi come fi see yuh," she replied, leaning in closer. "Mi couldn't miss di show."
I stepped back slightly, my expression hardening. "Mi busy."
She laughed, ignoring his tone. "Busy? Nuh look so. Yuh nuh glad fi see mi?"
"Tasha," I said again, this time my voice edged with warning. "Mi tell yuh already. We nah deal wid dat. Stop push it."
Her smile faltered, a flicker of hurt crossing her face before she masked it with defiance. "Fine," she said, flipping her braids over her shoulder. "But memba seh mi deh yah fi yuh."
Before I could respond, Aaron appeared at my side, sensing the tension. "Yow, everything good?"
I nodded curtly, my eyes still on Tasha as she walked away, her shoulders stiff. "Yeah. Let's go."
The ride home was quiet, the energy of the night fading into exhaustion. I stared out the window, the city lights blurring into streaks of gold and red. The success of Call Mi If should have left me on top of the world, but moments like these, messy and complicated, reminded me why I kept my walls up when it comes to love.
I had music, my craft, my passion. That was all I needed.
