Five Questions With… Walshy Fire

In the world of global dance music, few voices are as instantly recognisable, or as electrifying, as that of Leon Jackson, popularly known as Washy Fire. As one-third of the genre-blending powerhouse Major Lazer, he has become a defining force in shaping the sound of modern dancehall, reggae, and electronic music. With his signature patois-laced vocals, high-energy performances, and deep Jamaican roots, Walshy Fire brings both authenticity and innovation to every track. Whether commanding festival stages or crafting sonic fusions in the studio, he’s more than just a vocalist, he’s a cultural bridge, connecting the Caribbean’s rhythmic heartbeat with the pulse of global pop.

This October, Washy Fire is set to turn up the heat at the Xodus Wet Music Festival, one of the most anticipated events on Xodus Carnival’s party calendar. Noting its wild water-themed revelry, immersive stage production, and top-tier lineup of regional and international talent, the festival promises a high-octane fusion of music and movement. Scheduled to take place on Waterfront, Downtown Kingston, the event will see Walshy bringing his signature energy to a homegrown crowd. Fans can expect a genre-bending set packed with dancehall bangers, EDM drops, and infectious rhythms that capture the essence of both Major Lazer and his solo flair. For Walshy, it’s not just another gig, it’s a celebration of culture, roots, and the unifying power of sound.

Walshy Fire, according to his bio, has contributed to production on the Major Lazer releases and has collaborated with artistes from a variety of genres maintaining a commitment to cultural authenticity and in particular with regard to Caribbean music subgenres. In 2015 Walshy Fire launched a label with its roots in Jamaica’s sound system culture, and extending into other genres including hip-hop. He continues to tour globally performing sets with mashups from multiple genres including reggae dancehall, roots reggae, soca, house, bass, moombahton, Latin, Afrobeats, hip-hop and old school R&B presented by MC commentary that sets up the songs for the listener.

As a producer Walshy Fire has contributed to several dancehall, reggae, and EDM projects. He is a co-producer on Toast and Throne on Koffee’s Grammy-winning EP, Rapture. This week, 5 Questions With... linked up with Walshy Fire to hear his thoughts prior to his homecoming.

1. You’ve performed all over the world, but Caribbean carnivals have a special kind of energy. What does it mean to you to be part of Xodus Wet in Jamaica this October?

Coming home to Jamaica is always a homecoming. If people only knew the journey of my career, playing with Coppershot and Black Chiney, and also solo in Jamaica all these years. It’s such a blessing to come home and perform, still solo and also with Major Lazer on the island. Yeah man, it’s always fun, and it’s always a homecoming.

2. Your sets often blend dancehall, soca, Afrobeats, and electronic music seamlessly. How do you curate your sound for high-energy events like this one?

My sets are always a blend of different fusions of sounds because of travelling. Right now ‘Shatta Dancehall’ is running the world. So we have to incorporate some shotta dancehall into the sets because that’s what’s running the entire world. But, being so blessed to be able to travel is what usually curates my set.

3. Being one-third of Major Lazer, you’ve played a big role in globalising Caribbean music. How have you seen the global perception of dancehall and soca evolve in recent years?

We give thanks for being a part of the movement called Major Lazer, and being able to bring Caribbean music to the world, both soca and dancehall. The perceptions are always changing, always evolving, and soca is always introducing something new. Now the Bouyon is running the place across the globe in completely non-Caribbean crowds. It really locked the place, and dancehall kinda took a turn where the world lost interest in it. But with songs like Shake it to the max, which was a big song for the summer, Busy Signal and Major Lazer’s new song, Gangsta, and his new song with Kybba, you start to see the interest pique again, among the youths in all corners of the world.

4. What can fans expect from your performance at Xodus Wet, any surprises or collaborations we should look out for?

It will be a fun time! It’s always a fun time. Smiles and enjoyment

5. You’re not just a DJ but a cultural ambassador of sorts. What message or vibe are you hoping to communicate?

I absolutely give thanks for the compliment of being called a cultural ambassador. I do wear that banner proud. And like I said, it’s all about joy, it’s all about fun, and people leaving with a great time.

entertainment@gleanerjm.com