Two years ago, Nigy Boy, born Nigel Hector, was an unknown singer, crooning cover songs on Instagram, trying to get that illusive buss.
“But what a different a year makes,” Antony Turner, a New York-based Jamaican entertainment publicist, told Caribbean Life on Tuesday. “Today, the 23-year-old, Jamaican-born student is one of the hottest new acts in the dancehall space, amassing 1.2 million views on YouTube in less than a week with his global hit ‘Continent.’”
Turner said that central to the success of “Continent” is Jamaican GRAMMY-winning platinum producer Rvssian, “who took a chance on the New York-based singer and recorded him on his popular ‘Dutty Money’ riddim.”
Nigy Boy, who lives in Selden, Old Westbury, Long Island, told Caribbean Life: “It’s definitely an indescribable feeling to know that I am the most trending artist in the reggae/dancehall space.
“Working with Rvssian was a fluid and seamless process,” he added. “Everything just happened like magic. It was an experience I’ll never forget.”
Turner said fans globally have become “faithful followers, hailing the visually impaired singer for his lyrical genius and his vision to steer clear of overused topics like guns, misogyny, taboo sex, drugs and scamming, which have proliferated songs dominating the dancehall space.”
“Some people think I have the potential to save dancehall, but truthfully, I’m just being a musician, expressing myself in the best way I know how,” Nigy Boy said. “It just so happens that I don’t have to be overly explicit to get my messages across.
“I love the music of my culture, but, at the same time, I aim to create a flavor that can resonate globally and not just within the Caribbean Diaspora,” he added. “I definitely see a major label deal happening in the foreseeable future. But, for now, I’m just trusting the process, putting in the work, maintaining consistency, and exceeding my own expectations.”
Asked what’s on the horizon musically, Nigy confidently responded: “For 2024 and beyond, I’m aiming for nothing but excellence.
“I have a lot of projects in store for the people that I can’t wait for them to hear,” he said. “I can only go so far alone. But, with the people’s support, I know I will definitely be able to reach places I’ve never even dreamt of.”
Nigy’s catalogue of songs include “Waterfalls”, featuring Mr. Vegas; “You And I”; “Lover Not A Fighter”; and “Superwoman”, which was dedicated to his mother.
