D’Yani - Live Life & Prosper (Album) + 10 Questions

Picture Credit: El Puru

Jamaican singer, songwriter and poet D’Yani releases his highly anticipated new album Live Life & Prosper, bringing together Reggae, Dancehall, Ska and Lover’s Rock across a deeply personal 11 track project.

Following a recent UK visit that included a mainstage appearance at DJ AG Fest and an intimate album listening session, D’Yani continues to build on the international momentum that has surrounded his rise. Blending soulful vocals and poetic storytelling with contemporary Caribbean sounds, Live Life & Prosper explores faith, family, love, struggle, healing and growth, while encouraging listeners to embrace life with purpose and positivity.

Across the album, fan favourites ‘Journey’ and ‘Live A Little’ deliver messages of perseverance and gratitude, while ‘Joy Come A Morning’ looks towards brighter days. Love and vulnerability run through ‘Dutchpot’, ‘On And On’, ‘Miss You Bad’ and ‘Love Is Infinite’, with ‘Blooming’ and ‘Fi Mi Mama’ celebrating women, strength and motherhood. The record closes on a spiritual note with ‘Clasp Your Hands’ and ‘Jah Has Been Too Good’, reflecting D’Yani’s faith and gratitude.

Speaking on the project, D’Yani says: “This album is a reflection of every season I’ve lived through, faith, family, love, struggle, healing and growth. Every song carries a lesson or a testimony, and I hope people can find a piece of themselves in these stories.”

Having first broken through with ‘Feelings (Remix)’ featuring Jada Kingdom, D’Yani has since appeared at major events including Reggae Sumfest, Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, City Splash Festival and St. Kitts Music Festival. Breakout single ‘Live A Little’ further expanded his international reach, even earning support from DJ Khaled.

More than simply an album title, Live Life & Prosper represents the mindset at the heart of D’Yani’s artistry, celebrating resilience, love, gratitude and finding joy throughout every stage of the journey.

D’Yani sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

It really started at home. My mother and grandmother  was always singing, whether it was gospel, Lovers Rock, R&B, or just making a joyful noise around the house. I didn’t grow up thinking I was going to be an artist. Football was actually my first love, and I thought that path would’ve taken me overseas. But life has a way of redirecting you. Music started as something fun with friends in high school, then it became an obsession. I fell in love with the creative process writing, recording, understanding how a song comes together. From there it became less about chasing a career and more about finding purpose through my gift. Looking back now, I realise music was always preparing me, even before I knew it.

2. Who are some artists that influence you, and who would you love to collaborate with in the future?

I’ve always been a student of music. Growing up, I listened to Beres Hammond, Dennis Brown, Gyptian and Jah Cure. My mom had everything from Lovers Rock to Celine Dion playing, so I never boxed myself into one sound. Those influences taught me that emotion will always outlive trends. As for collaborations, I just want to work with artists who create from a genuine place. Whether that’s somebody from Jamaica or internationally, the chemistry and message have to feel authentic.

3. What projects do you have coming up, and what can you share about them?

Right now, I’m focused on building a body of work that reflects where I am mentally and spiritually. Every release is connected to the bigger vision of Live Life and Prosper. That’s more than an album title to me it’s a philosophy I live by. People can expect music that celebrates love, life, growth and vulnerability while still keeping that Jamaican essence at the core. I’m not trying to rush the process; I want every record to mean something.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I’d describe it as soulful Jamaican music. It’s rooted in reggae and dancehall, but it isn’t limited by either. I approach music like a poet first, so storytelling is always at the center. Whether it’s a love song or something more introspective, I want people to feel something real. I like making music that lives with people long after the song ends.

5. What’s been your proudest moment so far as an artist?

Honestly, seeing people connect with the music in ways I never imagined. Watching “Live A Little” travel beyond Jamaica and become part of people’s lives was special. Performing on some of the Caribbean’s biggest stages and seeing audiences sing the words back to me reminds me why I started. Those moments are blessings, but they also remind me that the journey is still just beginning.

Picture Credit: El Puru

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who are trying to navigate the music industry?

Don’t chase what everybody else is doing. Develop yourself before you develop your brand. The industry changes every day, but authenticity never goes out of style. Stay consistent, stay teachable and don’t skip the work. Most importantly, protect your peace. The music should reflect who you are, not who you think people want you to be.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should be listening to?

Jamaica has a lot of incredible talent right now. I always encourage people to pay attention to artists who are pushing the culture forward while staying true to themselves. Beyond the established names, there are so many young voices bringing fresh energy to reggae and dancehall. I’m a fan of them all.

8. What albums are currently on heavy rotation in your Spotify playlist?

My playlist is all over the place. One minute it’s classic Dennis Brown or Beres Hammond, then I’ll jump into Jah Cure, Gyptian, R&B, dub or jazz. I don’t really listen by genre, I listen by feeling. If the music is honest and moves me, it’s getting played.

9. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not making music?

I’m naturally a reserved person, so I enjoy spending time with family, staying grounded and taking moments to recharge. Football will always be a part of me, and I like anything that gives me peace and perspective. Those quiet moments are usually where the inspiration for the next song comes from.

10. Name three things you can’t live without in the studio.

A good microphone, positive and  honesty energy, and a motivated engineer/team. Everything starts there. You can have all the equipment in the world, but if the energy isn’t right and you’re not telling the truth in the music, people will hear that. I always try to leave a piece of myself in every record.