Jamaican producer/artiste Keron “KaleX” Alexander garnered the attention of the global dance scene in February, making a guest appearance at the high-profile James Blake’s pre-Grammy party – CMYK in Los Angeles.

KaleX shared the stage with international DJs and producers such as Kaytranada and No I.D. 

The attention came thanks to his ‘This is JAMApiano‘ mixtape in December 2023 under the Trifactor label, which showcases the unique blend of South African sounds with dancehall. 

KaleX has produced and composed for Jamaican dancehall giants Popcaan and Vybz Kartel, emerging female acts Zhayna and Amanyea along with recent work with Royal Blu and Runkus ahead of their performance at the just-concluded Lost in Time Festival.

However, it was Ethiopia-based “Music Facilitator” Sire Dhone Johnson and Tara Johnson, managing director of Harry J Studio, who sparked his interest in the underground South African genre of Amapiano.  

With the guidance of Sire and Tara; KaleX immersed himself in the sounds and culture surrounding the genre, blending it with dancehall and the three collaborated on calling the sound ‘JAMApiano’. 

“I have a new interest in blending genres after the performance in California because I saw first-hand how Jamaican music mixed with any other genre moves people. The feeling of seeing something you create get people raving is unmatched; it shows the power of music no matter where it is made,” said KaleX.  

Accompanied by his hype man Aundre ‘Riddim Boss’ Edwards, their performance embodied the excitement of street dance with the high-energy Afro-club sound the world is now celebrating.

With a new interest in playing the music he creates and bringing the same energy straight to live audiences; KaleX credits his architectural background in being able to create a unique sonic landscape that reflects his multi-dimensional experiences and musical vision. He has eyes set on international musical collaborations as his ‘JAMApiano‘ project has started to result in multiple prospects for productions and performances. 

Locally, his project has also sparked the creation of the ‘This is JAMApiano’ event series; held at the Harry J Studio.

The series is a high-energy music space where KaleX and Riddim Boss explores dancehall remixes with afro sounds along with emerging artistes making cameo performances to ‘ride’ the JAMApiano riddim, which adds a ‘surprise element’ to the experience.  The next staging of the ‘This is JAMApiano‘ event series is March 28 at Harry J Studio.