London-born dancehall and hip-hop artist, freelance A&R, model and actor Yung Saber released an infectiously feel-good new single, ‘Gucci Prada’, on January 26th, 2024. Boasting over 10 million streams across all platforms, Yung Saber stormed the UK Dancehall scene with his track ‘Tump & Kick’, which became an international hit and earned radio plays across the globe in 2021. He went on to do two remixes, the first one featuring Stylo G followed by an All-star remix featuring UK Dancehall trailblazers Big Zeeks, Shanti Force, The Rara, Doktor & Irah. Saber has performed at MADE Festival, Brighton Harbour Festival, Glastonbury, Notting Hill Carnival with Amazon, +44, and many other venues throughout the UK. He has appeared on several BBC radio shows such as Rampage, Seani B and BBC 1Xtra. In February 2023, he attended BBC Maida Vale Session with Seani B and performed his hit single ‘Karl Kani’ with a live band for BBC dancehall weekender.
Influenced by the likes of Super Cat and Vybz Kartel, Yung Saber’s sound can be compared to J Hus, Govana, MoStack, Not3s, Krept & Konan and Yxng Bane.
Read our chat with him below.
Set the tone for us. Why the arts?
Music is something that runs heavily in my bloodline. My mum’s a DJ, my dad’s an international DJ and stepdad’s an international Producer/DJ. My big brother is & has always been a well-known MC.
Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?
It depends on what environment I’m in, but usually the sound before the idea.
Does your material feature any collaborations?
Yes, my material features some extremely talented legends that includes Tippa Irie, Guinney Pepper, Irah, Nvasion and more.
What’s on your current playlist?
My current playlist is a mixture of Dancehall, Grime & UK Rap. The artists I tend to listen to the most are Vybz Kartel, Kraff, Giggs, D Double E, Chronics and Super Cat.
Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.
My fans are very happy and fun when I’m performing. I like to interact with my fans as much as I can because I believe in that moment that means everything to my fans.
What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?
Like I said before, my music is very rooted due to the heavy influence of my mum and Soundsystem culture so when I created my music, I tried to have an element of 90s dance because I believe that’s when Dancehall was in its prime.
Take us through a day in the recording studio.
A day in the studio for me as a single father can be challenging, but also very motivating. I have a home set up due to my situation so at times it can be really stressful, but also super fun. My children give me motivation and just simple things around the house. For example, I could open my curtains and the trees, the surrounding houses and the street view give me motivation.
Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”?
Yes, so when I was about 10 years old, that’s when I really said to myself, this is what I’m gonna do when I grow up.
What do you keep close by while you’re playing a set?
God is always in my heart, and my children, so when I do like performances and so on, that’s enough to drive me.
Any emerging artists on your radar?
Big Zeeks, Prince Akeem, Raver, M Dot R, and Brixx.
What gets your creative juices flowing?
My music is based on moods, so what I try to do is whatever mood I’m in.
Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.
So I’ve got a MacBook Pro 2023 edition logic, 2022 edition I believe – if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. Logic always works well for me.
Any side projects you’re working on?
The work never stops, so we’re always working.
How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?
With good guidance and people that actually want to see me when I believe if you don’t have guidance, it’s gonna be near to impossible perfecting your craft in all areas is important to me.
Break down the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?
I’m a man that likes to let my music speak for itself. There are big things to expect from me this year, but for now just take in this new project until further notice.
Famous last words?
Thank you all for following my journey, and all the new people that are about to follow my journey. God bless me with a stage and I promise you I won’t disappoint none of you.
