Hailing from the countryside of Christiana, Manchester, Jamaica, Lila Iké has taken her talents to the global stage. With her stunning vocals, unique style, and exceptional songwriting, Lila has become an international sensation. Her journey to success has been anything but easy, but her dedication to her craft has never wavered. Her debut EP, The ExPerience, released in 2020, earned her international acclaim and established her as a prominent new voice in reggae music.

As a protégé of Protoje, Lila has grown into a powerhouse performer, gracing major international stages. Now, she delivers her first full-length album, Treasure Self Love. This collaborative project, released under Wurl Ike Records, In.Digg.Nation Collective, and Ineffable Records, features contributions from a stellar lineup of producers, including Noah Ehler, D.K. the Punisher, New Machine, Tim Suby, Cadenza, and Nana Kwabena. With Lila and Protoje as executive producers, and additional support from the talented Ziah.Push, this album marks Lila’s bold step into the spotlight.

The album opens with the sound of an acoustic guitar accompanied by the crackling of a fire, setting the stage for Peter Tosh’s sampled vocals. As the beat and rhythm pick up in a quick, almost militant cadence, Lila delivers a powerful lyrical performance. Her ability to shift cadence and flow is remarkable, making this an unforgettable opening track. The song concludes with a nod to Garnett Silk’s “Complaint,” as Lila channels his spirit with lyrics that touch on themes of resistance:

“If you do wrong, they complain / Even if we call the Father's name, it's the same / What do they want us to do? / Don’t they know this is nothing new? / Why won’t they do what they want / And let me do my thing? / They should be thankful / There are lights of hope that are still shining / Shining.”

Following this, “Too Late to Lie” slows things down with a steady, soulful beat. Lila’s vulnerable lyrics and emotive voice shine, offering listeners a glimpse into her inner world.

“Sweet” is a tender, slow-burning track that blends reggae with Lila’s soulful singing, drawing listeners into its warm embrace. The previously released “Fry Plantain,” featuring Brooklyn rapper Joey Bada$$, adds a playful energy to the album. Joey’s dynamic verse pairs perfectly with the song’s sweet R&B groove, creating undeniable chemistry in this standout collaboration.

“All Over The World,” featuring Protoje, highlights the global reach of Jamaican music. Drawing inspiration from Rascalz and Barrington Levy’s classic “Top Of The World,” the track is a celebration of reggae’s international influence. The accompanying video, directed by Samo, was filmed in iconic locations like New York, Jamaica, Paris, London, Japan, and Egypt, further emphasizing the song’s global message.

Lila pays homage to dancehall history with a remarkable cover of Patra’s 1993 classic “Romantic Call.” Featuring Masicka, who replaces Yo-Yo with an impressive verse, this updated version elevates the original while honoring its legacy.

“All That and More” sees Lila teaming up with Maverick Sabre for a warm, relaxing duet. The song encourages self-love and resilience, reminding listeners to prioritize their own well-being. Another standout collaboration is “He Loves Us Both,” featuring Grammy winner H.E.R.. Their voices blend beautifully in this bold track, which Lila described to Rolling Stone as reminiscent of “The Boy Is Mine.” She shared, “The first time I played this song for H.E.R., she immediately got in the booth and effortlessly transformed it into the masterpiece it is today.”

“Serious” delivers raw honesty with jazzy undertones, capturing the weight of internal struggles and life’s monotony. Lila’s lyrics are unflinching:

“Damn, this shit is serious / All this pain, so tired of feeling it / Every day's the same, can I be rid of it? (Same ol', same ol') / Who feels it knows, who feels it knows.”

In contrast, “Brighter Days” shifts toward optimism, with an upbeat rhythm and empowering lyrics that reflect Lila’s journey of finding strength and hope.

The album closes with “Love in a Lovely Way,” a heartfelt homage to Garnett Silk’s “Place in Your Heart.” Featuring Lila’s incredible voice and poignant lyrics, accompanied by acoustic guitar, this track feels both fresh and nostalgic, serving as the perfect conclusion to an extraordinary album.

Lila Iké’s Treasure Self Love is a testament to her artistry and resilience. By paying tribute to the artists who have influenced her while pushing Jamaican music into new territories, Lila has created a body of work that is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. With her exceptional vocal skills and genre-blending approach, Lila seamlessly fuses reggae, dancehall, soul, R&B, and hip-hop, delivering meaningful messages wrapped in captivating melodies.

Lila Iké is poised to become a leading figure in the next generation of reggae and dancehall artists, and Treasure Self Love solidifies her place as one of the most exciting voices in contemporary music.

One Love – Todd M. Judd