 ©Jamaica Observer By Ishawna Ross Based out of St. Catherine’s and a father working in construction from St. Thomas, Kafinal travelled all over the 14 parishes in Jamaica; Jeffery “Kafinal” Williams, is a rising Jamaican-Canadian reggae artist coming out of the Toronto music scene. With humble beginnings, Kafinal started his singing career at a young age, performing in church choirs, school and community performances. He then entered the acting world, when he started performing in road plays in Jamaica, where he continuously practiced and honed his talents. In an exclusive interview with VIBE105, Kafinal remembers: “The most popular one I was featured in was ah, “Brother Desmond” - we’d toured the U.S and toured a lot of the Caribbean.” © Kafinal TV | YouTube Named after an aspirin popular within the West Indian diaspora, “Cafenyl”, migrated here in 2009 “and just worked the scene.” “I didn’t agree to accept that name,” says Kafinal. However, one Saturday night at a venue his “friends pushed me on stage” where he performed well. After that night as Kafinal describes: “The whole community started calling me Kafinal and from there, I just kept the name.” “In 1997, I did my very first recording and the first time I heard my song on the radio.” With a surreal feeling and creating a buzz for himself, Kafinal’s career started to gain recognition by hitting air waves all over the radio in Jamaica. “You should’ve heard me screaming.” Feeling great and excited, Kafinal began his grind to pursue his passion with everything in him. © Kafinal TV | YouTube “It wasn’t really difficult you - know what I mean? And you know my story is different from a lot of other people – (from a lot of their stories). A lot of people might have challenges, but you know, there’s always a way. And I must say, it wasn’t very hard for me.” Entering the Canadian music scene with a deep passion and a vision with a people person personality, Kafinal had no problems meeting a legendary actor within the Jamaican/Caribbean diaspora [Nagga Morris], where he continued his acting. From performing at dances, dinners, functions, and the huge support from the Jamaican/Caribbean community, it wasn’t hard for him to plant the bug of his musical talent. “To be honest, because of the challenges I face even today, sometimes I have to be honest. I’m like ‘Is this really for me?’ But I always feel a sense of comfort.” © Kafinal TV | YouTube In 2016 “Nah Complain” ft a reggae legend Daddy U Roy — Kafinal’s mother’s favourite artist— gave Kafinal his first Juno Award. The concept of the song revolves around failing so much in life; that success is the only way out. “All I have right now is success. And you know, mi nah complain, I’m just gonna give thanks.” The song is a personal gift to his mother, who ‘put this collaboration into the universe’, eventually making her dreams come true. “It serves many purposes, you know to me.”  © Youtube This is just the beginning as he is nominated again for best reggae recording of the year for the song “Talk or no talk” ft a “deep”, “sharp shooter” Queen Ifrica. The concept of the song is about finding yourself in a situation when your friends; your significant other is cheating, would you tell? “It’s a conversational piece and you know, it’s just a great vibe.” “My main thing is, I want to get on a lot of the festivals - the major festivals. I’ve been strategic with the artist that I’ve been doing collaborations with - a lot of people who do a lot of festivals. That’s what I want--I want the international bookings, you know! “ With life influencing his creative expressions, Kafinal continues on his journey, climbing the charts, taking over radio waves and making his mark within the reggae scene. He has new music coming up this year after being nominated at the Junos for Reggae Recording of the Year.
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