A pathfinder, hard worker and groundbreaker are the first three words that come to mind when thinking of Jamaican recording artiste Zagga. Born Austill Henry on June 17, 1990, in Jamaica’s garden parish, St Ann, his affinity for music was recognised early in his life. It remained a powerful force pushing him on the predestined path even whilst spending his formative years playing football and pursuing electrical studies.

Recollecting childhood memories from ages as early as 10, Zagga recounts conjuring many rhythms on the classroom desks and toasting jocular lyrics to the delight of his peers. His penchant was soon realised and encouraged not only by schoolmates but by family and friends alike. As the years rolled by, Zagga continued to hone his skillset. Soon after, he released his first mixtape: ‘The Remix God’, with much adulation from members of the music and entertainment fraternity.
The successful project amassed several thousand downloads. Impressed by the effort of his long-time friend, now accomplished video director Ruption of RD Studios, Decided to introduce acclaimed producer Jordan McClure of chimney records to Zagga’s music. Recognising the opportunity given, Zagga soon found himself in management discussions with the label. After signing with Chimney Records, the singer relocated to Kingston and began professionally pursuing his music career. The partnership has yielded several notable musical projects.

Since his foray into the music industry and subsequent success, Zagga focuses his energies on elevating his craft and becoming that quintessential artiste. His music is a testament to that. Zagga’s musical catalogue is teeming with conscious music inspired by veterans like Buju Banton and Capleton from his 2013 hit single Never Give Up (Tropical Escape Riddim), to the message-filled verses of My Destination (Rising sun riddim) (2014), So Far Away (2015), Smile (2016), Bad & Hungry (2018), Keep Calm (Aircraft riddim) (2020), Shall Overcome (2020) and Weh Yah Deal Wid (style a style riddim) (2021). His music is not focused primarily on spreading consciousness but to expand the sound of thoughts. In his words, “Seeing them do it showed me that I can deliver the music in whichever form and whatever I’m feeling at that time.” His latest releases Secure ft Tarrus Riley and Mama’s Prayer, are also loaded with positive expressions and emotions. The latter being a tribute to his mother, grandmother and all mothers.

The recording artist is currently focused on navigating his solo career and prides himself on not having too many collaborations under his belt. In what was a busy year for Zagga, in 2020, he worked with Chi Ching Ching on Owner Hype and Kabaka Pyramid on the thought-provoking song Jamaica Wah Gwaan. The collaboration delved into the social issues surrounding the pandemic. Before that, he was featured on Tarrus Riley’s Free Up in 2014 and recorded with Xklusive on Nah Dead Suh in 2018.

Also, in 2020, he engaged in a more serious musical campaign with his album ‘The Isolation Project’. The album shed some light on the world’s current issues and encouraged good energy, which remained relevant in lockdown times. ‘The Isolation Project’ did very well with the public response, especially the single New Hail that went viral worldwide, making the rounds in the international media for its fresh look on the matter of social distancing. For Zagga, it acted as a starter pistol for other projects, therefore making the expected impact.

The quick-witted lyricist maintains a simple philosophy on life, “Whatever you out in, that’s what you will get out,” which overspills into his mantra on his music career.
Recording artists and songwriters are not the only professionals who have seen Zagga’s potential to become recognised worldwide as a hitmaker. A wide range of production houses has worked with him over the years. These include Markus Records, Cash Flow Records, Liv Up Records, Jugglers, Penthouse Records, Grafton Studios, DJ Frass Records and Adde Productions based in Europe have all done projects with the artiste over the years. He has also performed on some of the biggest platforms for the reggae and dancehall genres such as Reggae Sumfest, Rebel Salute, GT Taylor Extravaganza, Pepsi Refresh Tour, and Cream of the Crop: an extensive tour of Canada, the U.S and Europe, as well as his personal tour across several European countries dubbed ‘Sleepless Nights’.

Zagga has recently released his much anticipated debut album ‘17/06’ on June 17, 2021, which is incidentally his birthday and the album’s title. Charted in over 24 countries and made its way to number 1 on a couple reggae charts, the project features the recently released Mama’s Prayer, Jamaica Wah Gwaan and 8 other tracks.

“Whatever you put in, is what you get out”