5 Questions With Ayetian

There’s hardly anything dancehall loves more than an artiste who fits the label “bright” – as in academically bright. Like a few others, young, fast-rising deejay sensation Ayetian neatly fits the bill. A graduate of the prestigious Cornwall College, he passed all 11 subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) level, and it is no surprise that his freestyling skills were honed inside the very classrooms that guided his intellect. Early in his journey, the artiste, whose real name is Malik Tercien, racked up millions of views with tracks like Lawge, Anyweh, and Balance. Ayetian, his bio states, is charting a course that feels both intentional and destined and “is proving that lyrical discipline and raw dancehall energy can co-exist”.

He was “discovered”, as they say, through the platform that has emerged as a dominant force in cyberspace – TikTok – when one of his freestyle videos went viral. Ayetian, who is Haitian-Jamaican, hence his moniker, has since evolved into one of the genre’s most sought-after young voices. He recently earned a Best New Artiste nomination from the International Reggae And World Music Awards (IRAWMA) and is basking in the spotlight during February’s Reggae Month celebrations, having been named the featured artiste for the Wray & Nephew Soundcheck at Dubwise Cafe on Thursday.

No questions about it, Ayetian’s rise and rapid are inseparable words. Despite this, he insists that he has managed to remain grounded, sharing insights in this week’s 5 Questions With… about what keeps him centred and focused, as well as his thoughts on the platforms artistes are receiving in the local music industry.

1 As an emerging voice in the industry, how important are live platforms such as the Wray & Nephew Soundcheck session in helping you build your fan base and musical identity?

Platforms like this are important because they give emerging artistes, [like myself], a space to show more than just singles. You get to present your artistry live and build a real connection with people. That kind of setting helps to shape your identity in a way because the audience gets to see the full picture, not just what’s online. When brands like Wray & Nephew support live music and emerging talent, it strengthens the culture and gives artistes a space to develop in front of a real audience.

2 You just received a Best New Artiste nomination from IRAWMA. How did you respond when you heard, and do you intend to attend the ceremony in May?

When I heard about the nomination, I was genuinely grateful. Moments like that remind you that the work is being seen beyond just the numbers or the noise. It’s motivating, especially as a young artiste still building. The plan is definitely to attend in May because being present in those spaces is important, not just for me, but for the people who have been supporting the journey from day one.

3 You are enjoying a rapid rise in popularity. Was this expected, and how do you stay grounded?

I wouldn’t say it was expected, but I’ve always believed in the work. When you put in the hours and stay consistent, growth will come. The experience has been humbling. Things are moving fast, but I stay grounded by remembering where I started. Family keeps me centred. My team keeps me focused. And I always remind myself that this is just the beginning.

4 How does performing in an intimate live-music space like Dubwise influence your energy, song choices, and connection with the audience?

An intimate space like Dubwise changes everything. You can actually feel the crowd in real-time – their reactions, their energy – that allows you to connect on a deeper level. It pushes me to be more expressive and intentional with my delivery. In a setting like that, every lyric carries differently, and every moment feels more personal.

5 How did the performance fit into your broader plans for 2026, and what’s next for Ayetian?

[The year] 2026 is about growth and expansion for me. I’ve been building through collaborations with different local and international artistes, as well as producers, and stepping into more international spaces. Those experiences have helped me see the bigger picture and sharpen my direction. At the same time, staying connected to home matters. Wray & Nephew Soundcheck fit into my plans because live performance is a big part of how I define myself as an artiste. This also keeps me grounded while the music continues to reach further. It’s about growing, but still representing where I come from.

BRAWTA

How do you balance having “1 Gyal Evryday”, and what is the story that brought this concept to life?

Haha ... balancing “1 Gyal Evryday” is really about keeping it real, you know! The concept came from observing real life and relationships around me. It’s playful, as I always try to approach music from that place.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com