Orlandovoyager Interviews Tefkemet Music C.E.O.

Orlandovoyager Interview 

we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
To be honest I grew up immersed in the vibrant sounds of soca, conscious reggae, dancehall, and calypso, especially on Saturdays. My father, a native Trinidadian, was central to organizing the Trinidad segment of the iconic Eastern Parkway Labor Day Parade in NYC during the 1980s and early 1990s, with family members actively participating and playing mas. This dynamic cultural heritage shaped my musical foundation and creative spirit.
Two pivotal moments defining my artistic journey include traveling to Jamaica and recording music in the legendary Crafton Studios, founded by reggae icon Mikey Bennett in Kingston—a transformative experience that deepened his commitment to reggae. The second pivotal moment was being a red carpet guest at the 41st International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), standing alongside legends in reggae music, which solidified his place in the international reggae community.
The path has not been without challenges: I faced many financial hurdles while launching my own label, took on multiple roles from writing to producing music for myself and others, and dealt with the trials of people taking advantage of my rise as both an artist and businessman.
Over time, my sound and music production have become more professional as I gained experience in the performance artist and industry. Each collaboration and song I write contributes to my growth and evolution, with the trip to Jamaica playing a crucial role in evolving my own unique reggae sound from working with some of the best there.
When it comes to collaborations, I honor every artist I worked with—showing deep gratitude for those from Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, the US Virgin Islands, Belize, and America. Each collaboration has been a learning experience, shaping my sound and expanding my vision as an international reggae artist.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t been entirely smooth. Music production demands significant financial resources, support, advice, responsibility, and much more. Beyond that, writing quality music that leaves a lasting legacy for families, fans, and future generations is a core mission I hold deeply. Balancing all this while being a family man makes the journey even more challenging.