Lila Iké

Jamaican vocalist and songwriter Lila Iké has a soulful, easygoing, and warm-hearted approach to contemporary reggae. She emerged as a member of Protoje’s In.Digg.Nation Collective in 2017 with her promising debut solo single “Biggest Fan.” Even more successful tracks such as “Second Chance” and “I Spy” led to The ExPerience, a 2020 EP that resulted in a MOBO nomination. Over the next few years, the positive-minded artist released singles such as “Wanted,” the tougher “Dinero,” and the tender “Good & Great” while expanding her fan base with featured appearances on WSTRN’s “Never Leave,” Jorja Smith’s “Greatest Gift,” and Ini Kamoze’s “I Want You.” In 2024, Iké duetted with H.E.R. on the love triangle tale “He Loves Us Both.” Originally from Manchester Parish, Iké (born Alecia Grey) soaked up numerous forms of music through her mother, with whom she’d sing along to vintage reggae and dancehall, as well as R&B and pop. Iké started writing music in her teens and was inspired to take it more seriously once she settled in Kingston to complete her university studies. Facilitated in part by a friend who was working as an intern for Protoje, Iké crossed paths with the artist, who was impressed enough with some of her early material to add her to his In.Digg.Nation Collective. Beginning with “Biggest Fan” and “Gotti Gotti,” Iké established herself with numerous collaborations and a handful of singles from 2016 through 2019. In 2020, after Protoje secured support from major-label RCA, Iké offered her debut EP, The ExPerience, featuring the IzyBeats-produced single “I Spy.” Nominated for a MOBO Award in the category of Best Reggae Act, Iké began to attract higher-profile collaborative work with the likes of WSTRN, Jorja Smith, and Ini Kamoze, continued her affiliation with Protoje, and at the same time gradually released headlining singles like “Batty Rider Shorts,” “True Love,” “Wanted,” “Dinero,” and “Good & Great.” “He Loves Us Both,” featuring H.E.R., followed in 2024. ~ Andy Kellman