Valiant continues to ‘Prove Them Wrong’

Internationally acclaimed superstar Valiant said his new album, 'Prove Them Wrong', is a celebration of his growth and success in music, and also rebuffs his "doubters" who thought he wouldn't achieve international status.

"Me is a man mi always a try fi think not just fi me, but fi people who listen to me and people weh a doubt di ting as well," he said. " Prove Them Wrong is not just the album name; it's supmn weh everybody can relate to if somebody fi ever doubt you inna some way. The project is just showing how much I've grown and how far mi a come from in changing up mi style, mastering mi craft, and doing collaborations I never know I'd even do with some artistes," Valiant shared in an exclusive interview with THE WEEKEND STAR.

With this being his first official album, but his second release under the Sony/Epic UK's Recording Label, the artiste credited the label for its input in propelling his career, while allowing him the creative freedom to make more "mature" decisions for his music.

"It [definitely] evolved and it's a great experience, because Sony put yuh a some table weh yuh supposed to guh, and help people fi see yuh talent, suh yeah [creativity] grow," the singjay shared, while noting a few noticeable changes he's made under the Sony label.

"This year I'm focusing on my fan base and longevity. When mi just came out, mi a drop songs pon rapid, but now mi calm and wi just drop a song fi di month. Mi a try fi focus on how fi have dat longevity in music, [and] Sony really help me fi get that mature thinking on weh mi a go wid mi music and want to achieve in the next 10 years as short-term and long-term goals," he added.

Prove Them Wrong, a dancehall/R&B-infused project, is laced with "thought-provoking" lyrics that showcase a variety of the areas mastered by the artiste - from songs for the ladies, songs about the loss of a loved one, love songs, and uplifting music. The nine-track album is set for release on May 23. Prove Them Wrong will feature a stellar list of local and international stars, such as Grammy-nominated R&B artiste Fridayy, dancehall hitmaker 450, and the ever-enigmatic Tommy Lee Sparta.

With a keen eye and ear to the melodies he envisioned, Valiant has replaced some of the predictable dancehall tracks for Spanish-laced guitar loops and emotional vocals, which, he believes, will put this project on another level.

"I've been listening to all of the dancehall projects and I just wanted mine to just feel and be different. Mi like vibes, energy and a [upbeat] feeling, so I wanted the project to have a vibe weh mek yuh waah put it pon repeat. Mi always try fi stay outta di box - if mi ano lyricist, mi always try fi have a different flow. Suh if yuh hear my flow, it a go stay more dan di bag a lyrics," Valiant reasoned. "Anytime mi try things, mi get di fight against it and den it work. Not every song gonna be a hit, but a song can open a door."

Valiant has managed to stay true to his authentic roots while appealing to his international fans by "being himself and focus, because people like fi see a youth weh ambitious". In that breath, he advised young artistes seeking a musical breakthrough to "have a mind of their own, stay focused, work and try new things while making calculated risks". The Speed Off artiste said one of his main musical goals is to build a school of performing arts for "talented ghetto youths to attend for free".

Since his rise to stardom in November 2022, with his 'kotch eh hat a lie' slang, the artiste said he has been consistently working and improving his craft.

"A jus' work, work, work, work. Always a try fi better di craft [and] be different - always trying to create some different type a sound to get different fan base; mi just always a try some new things. But the growth has been great - new fan base, different type a shows, going to different countries and meeting people, knowing they love your music...it's been a good journey, mi can't complain," Valiant said. He cites winning the 2024 MOBO Awards for Best Caribbean Music Act as his "greatest" musical accomplishment to date.

"Wi believe in manifestation, and anything wi want wi put in the atmosphere. My first [international] performance at the Wireless Festival [in 2024] was a great reminder that I'm doing a great work... not just me, but dancehall, overall, was doing good," said Valiant.