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At just 23 years old, reggae artiste Sobah, born Sydney Murray, is shaking things up on the music scene with her captivating sound.

Her latest single, 10 Fry Dumpling, is not just a song. It’s a vibe with a message of ‘giving’ as a love language and reciprocity as an act of devotion.

In an interview with Our Today, Sobah gave the rundown of how she came to be a part of the budding new-age reggae artiste to burst on the music scene.

Born and raised in the vibrant capital of Jamaica, Kingston, Sobah’s journey into music was more complex than one might assume. It was in her second year at university, amidst the rigours of social work studies, that Sobah felt the irresistible pull of music.

Despite her mother’s insistence on completing her degree — a wise choice that earned Sobah a bachelor’s in social work — her heart was set on a different path. Her father, a recording artist in his own right, alongside mentors like Joshua Jones, son of the late drumming legend Desi Jones, helped Sobah navigate her new journey. Their guidance was instrumental, but it was Sobah’s relentless drive that set her apart.

Sobah’s name has Arabic origins as ‘Sabah’ means ‘bright/good morning’, much like her bright and bubbly personality.

Influenced by the culture

Sobah’s early experiences were anything but ordinary. Working as a social worker, she was exposed to the raw edges of human suffering — an experience that deepened her empathy and enriched her lyrical voice. The tales of woe and trauma she witnessed fuelled her desire to channel these emotions into her music, allowing her to create a powerful narrative in her song Sinna Dem.

Yet Sobah’s rise isn’t just about her past; it’s about her versatility and vision for the future.

Originally dabbling in R&B, her transition to reggae was seamless, driven by a deep love for the genre and a commitment to it as part of her Jamaican heritage. Her smooth, sultry voice brings a new and exhilarating energy to reggae that resonates with seasoned fans and new listeners of the genre.

“As I progressed in the music industry, my love for reggae sort of developed…I didn’t know much about reggae before,” she said. “I was kind of in that rut that most Jamaicans end up in where we don’t appreciate our culture as much as we do the international culture.”

“Reggae is truly a representation of self… the themes of joy, peace and love that reggae promotes align with my own values,” she added, listing Protoje, Lila Iké, Chronnix, Bob Marley, among other contemporary artistes who influenced her musical stylings.

She noted that her Christian background also influenced her music and her move toward reggae music.

Sobah thanked her producers Nicolas Groskopf, Joshua Jones, Jon-Marc Delapenha, and Delroy Hamilton for their relentless work in guiding and shaping her talents and helping her traverse the local music scene.

“They were able to nurture me as a new musician,” she said.

In the spirit of gratitude, she also thanked those who worked on 10 Fry Dumpling. In addition to Groskopf and Hamilton, she mentioned Miguel Anderson, Glendon Clarke and Okiel McIntyre with special thanks to her band members, including Joseph Davis.

Uber driver by day…

By day, Sobah is an Uber driver navigating the bustling streets with a keen sense of observation. In the night she’s a musical alchemist blending traditional reggae rhythms with modern influences to create something truly unique. Her songs are more than just tracks; they’re stories, experiences, and emotions wrapped in a melody that lingers long after the music stops.

Talking about 10 Fry Dumpling, Sobah explained what the song meant to her.

“It’s a song about acts of service as a love language,” she said. “It’s about things your loved ones, friends, romantic partner, really anyone doing anything for you to show you that they love you.”

The artiste noted how the song is meant to uplift her listeners and act as a reminder to give and share joy.

Roadblocks and plans

Some roadblocks Sobah says she has encountered in the music industry is the tendency of folks trying to push her toward dressing a certain way and singing certain types of music that are considered more culturally appropriate or more dancehall in nature. While she loves dancehall, she refuses to adopt its typical themes and language. Sobah aims to express herself through conscious music that aligns with her values and vibe. She mentioned that she has an Afro-dancehall song coming out soon, staying true to her style.

“It’s a little bit of a thorn in my side,” she explained. “My team understands me and the type of music I want to make, so that is the greatest thing.”

She divulged to Our Today that her next song will be a reggae cover of Bill Withers’ Just The Two Of Us and we are excited to see what Sobah does with this timeless, feel-good tune.

Her big dream is to not only be a successful artiste but to use her platform to inspire and uplift others. As she continues to break new ground and captivate audiences with her ‘Sobah-sound’, there’s no doubt that Sobah is a name you’ll want to remember.

WATCH Sobah’s ‘Tiny Kitchen’ performance of 10 Fry Dumpling: