Byron Messia Hits Us With “La La”
Blending elements of dancehall, R&B, hip-hop, and Afrobeats into a hybrid genre he calls “dance-soul,” Byron Messia is on the path to global stardom. Coming through with his latest anthem, Byron shares “La La” ft. Suarez, demonstrating his talent for crafting muscular melodies into propulsive jams. Gliding over warm electric keyboards and a driving dancehall beat, the St. Kitts & Nevis native works rapidfire melodies, alternating flexes and taunts until words fail him in the “la la” chorus. Directed by Kza, the video posits Byron as humanity’s last hope, as he leads a band of rebels through a distressed cityscape and strikes back against an occupying force. Packed with striking images, the video is a call for freedom, Byron’s stirring melodies fomenting resistance and giving hope.
“La La” is the latest single on the road to Sad & Famous, Byron’s next album, and follows-up “Talibans,” Byron’s global smash. A smoothly sinister anthem perfectly suited to the summer air, “Talibans” struck a chord with the public, building momentum over the summer until it become a massive hit. The summer jam earned a spike when Byron shared “Talibans II,” blessed with an appearance from Burna Boy, propelling the song to the Billboard Hot 100. With that milestone, Byron Messia became the first artist from St. Kitts & Nevis to ever make an appearance on that prestigious chart. “Talibans” and “Talibans II” generated more than 200 million global streams across platforms and over 57 million YouTube views on the official music video alone. On radio, “Talibans II” peaked at #19 on Urban and #18 on Rhythmic.
“Talibans” jumpstarted Byron’s rise, helping him become the most-promising dancehall crossover star in years. Influential figures across the culture have taken notice of Byron’s rise. Burna Boy was merely the latest in a line of high-profile artists who co-signed Byron, including Drake, Lil Baby, Dave, Popcaan, Cardi B, Rod Wave, and Swizz Beatz, among many others. The 23-year-old rising star has garnered critical acclaim, earning mention in Billboard, Clash, BET, The FADER, Pitchfork, and Complex, who listed “Talibans II” at #3 on its list of 2023 Songs of the Summer.
“La La” keeps the momentum from “Talibans” going, following the wake of fan-favorite singles like “90’z,” the fiery “Mad Dawgz,” which earned coverage in The New York Times Playlist, and “Nightmares,” a hit collaboration with Chris Brown that racked up over 4.1 million YouTube views and 4.8 million Spotify streams in just three weeks.
With a genuine smash in his rearview and hundreds of millions of streams in the bank, Byron Messia is on the cusp of conquering the U.S. with his signature sound. Sit back and watch him rise.