Kaedi, an emerging Jamaican-American artist, is making a big impact on the music scene with her first solo single, Seasons Changing. Released on April 4 on the 29 West Productions label, this track marks a turning point in her artistic career. Through collaborations with Bobo Bell, Fatta Marshall and Shvne, Kaedi builds a bridge between her Jamaican roots and her emerging musical identity. But beyond the song itself, it’s the story of an artist in search of meaning, heritage and recognition that is attracting attention today.
Cultural origins and influences
Although born in the USA, Kaedi (real name Kaedi Dalley) is proud of her Jamaican roots. Her parents hail from rural Jamaica, while several members of her family still live on the island. These deep-rooted origins have played an essential role in her personal and artistic life.
Kaedi explains that her music is a way for her to pay homage to her roots while contributing to the visibility of Jamaican and Jamaican-American voices worldwide. For her, reggae is not just a musical genre; it’s a cultural celebration that reflects the values, stories and traditions of her heritage.
Kaedi's musical journey
Kaedi’s passion for music was nurtured from an early age. She began singing in the local church and school choir, where she quickly distinguished herself with her powerful alto voice. However, it wasn’t until high school that she began to consider a professional career.
Her experience with the band Citizen Queen helped her make a name for herself with remarkable covers such as No Tears Left To Cry or Evolution of Girl Groups. This group was a real platform for exploring her creativity while developing her vocal skills.
A key moment in her musical training was her participation in the Acapella Academy program in Los Angeles, where she was exposed to the techniques of renowned artists such as Shakira, Katy Perry and Beyoncé. These experiences strengthened her resolve to pursue a solo career.
She also trained in musical theater in high school, where she played Motormouth Maybelle in the musical Hairsprayan experience that strengthened her stage presence and her love of the performing arts.
"Seasons Changing": a tribute to Jamaican culture
With Seasons ChangingKaedi gives a direct nod to her Jamaican roots, while demonstrating her artistic versatility. The track is a collaboration with talented producers such as Bobo Bell, Fatta Marshall and Shvne, who contributed their expertise to create an authentic and captivating work.
Kaedi describes this song as a “full-circle moment” where she uses reggae to express her love for the culture that shaped her. The video clip accompanying the single also features visual elements inspired by Jamaica, reinforcing the link between her music and her origins.
Launching a solo career
Although she enjoyed success with Citizen Queen, Kaedi considers that launching a solo career was always the ultimate goal. She sees this step as an opportunity to further explore her creativity while reaching a wider audience.
She says she wants to be an artist without limits, ready to integrate her reggae roots into various musical genres in the future. For her, it’s not just about the music; it’s also about inspiring other Jamaican-American artists to embrace their cultural heritage.
With Seasons Changing, Kaedi doesn’t just sing: she tells, she honors, she inspires. She embodies this new generation of artists who fully embrace their dual cultural heritage and elevate it into a creative force. If this first single is a promise, it’s also a call to other artists in the diaspora: dare to be yourself, draw on your roots, and build a voice that resonates beyond borders. The future looks bright for Kaedi, and her season is just beginning.
