Meet I-Koustic | Reggae Singer-Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with I-Koustic and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi I-Koustic, what do you want people to remember about you?
As Bob Marley said, Reggae is the King’s music, the word sound and power of Rastafari. Reggae music unites the colonized and oppressed peoples of the world behind the true meaning of the Holy Bible. I simply want to be one link in the never-ending chain of prophetic musicians keeping our culture in tact for future generations. Of course, as a singer-songwriter, it would be an honor if one or two of my songs joined the ranks of the evergreen classics in the reggae canon. The greater mission, however, and the reason why I play music, is to represent for Rastafari.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My name is I-Koustic, I’m a Reggae Singer/Songwriter based in San Diego. Blending the sounds of my mixed Jamaican and US roots, I play my own unique vision of acoustic soul-reggae. Reggae music here in California is getting washed out, and the message has been lost. The original reggae elders wrote lyrics steeped in Biblical teachings, influencing their response to the current events of their era. This mission continues! Now more than ever, we need the word sound & power of reggae music to uplift the oppressed and fight against racism, violence, and injustice.

I released my first single “My Prayer” on July 23rd with the music video debut on Reggaeville.com. My Prayer and My Prayer (Acoustic) are now available on all streaming platforms. I’m hard at work on my debut album set to be released next summer, and am currently touring throughout Southern Cali performing solo acoustic and full band shows! Looking forward to an exciting and busy 2024.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For me, San Diego is all about the music scene! If I’m looking for a big fun reggae show, I’d hit The Music Box to catch an artist like Kabaka Pyramid or Collie Buddz. Club Culture is still going strong at Winston’s in Ocean Beach, with the best local reggae bands playing every Wednesday night! Of course, if it’s summer time its all about Bayfest! This past summer I caught the Damian Marley performance at Bayfest and it was truly epic! When I want a more cultural, rootical experience I head to the World Beat Center in Balboa Park. I’ve seen artists like Dezarie and Yellowman there. Every year they hold the Tribute to the Legends Show in February which is always amazing!

I’ve been a vegetarian for most of my life, and San Diego has some of the best vegan/vegetarian options in the world! When I’m staying healthy, I head to World Beat Center Cafe for vegan Ethiopian dishes. If I’m looking for something hearty, I love to grab a sandwich at Ike’s Love & Sandwiches. I also have to mention Sipz in Clairmont, where you can the best vegan tom kah coconut soup I’ve ever had!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shoutout my fellow mixed race/multi-ethnic brothers and sisters. We are blessed with humility and insight that comes from our unique, multifaceted perspective of the human condition. I urge us all to keep our cultures alive, protect & preserve our unique heritages, and resist pressure to assimilate. For me, the revelation of accepting and living Rastafari has been a life long process. Many friends, elders, and authors have contributed to my development. I encourage anyone interested in the truth behind Rastafari, the spiritual movement that inspires reggae, to read books by Abba Yahuda, Marcus Garvey, Dr Ben Jochanan, and of course, Haile Selassie.

Website: www.i-koustic.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/i_koustic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8E6MxrWF8im4L6sOUY5OyQ

Other: https://linktr.ee/i_koustic

Image Credits
Shawn Jones