YAKSTA

By Caribbean Elite Magazine

Dancehall artist Yaksta has recently released his muchanticipated debut album, marking a significant milestone in his career and showcasing his impressive rise to fame over the past couple of years.

Yaksta, whose real name is Janoih Smart, hails from Kingston, Jamaica, and has been making music since he was a teenager. He first gained recognition in 2019 with his hit single “Ambition,” which quickly gained popularity on social media and radio stations across the Caribbean. Since then, he has been steadily building his fan base, releasing a string of successful singles, collaborating with other artists, and performing at numerous events and festivals.

Distributed by Hapilos Yaksta’s debut album, titled “22” was released on March 4, 2023, and features 19 tracks that showcase Yaksta’s unique blend of reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop influences. The album is a reflection of his personal journey and struggles, from growing up in poverty to overcoming obstacles and pursuing his dreams.

Yaksta’s success over the past couple of years is a testament to his talent and hard work, as well as his ability to connect with his audience. His music is characterized by catchy hooks, infectious rhythms, and meaningful lyrics that speak to the realities of life in Jamaica and beyond. His songs address issues such as poverty, violence, and social inequality, while also celebrating the resilience and strength of the human spirit.

One of Yaksta’s most popular songs is “Boomsound,” which was released in 2021 and quickly became an anthem for dancehall fans. The song, which features a catchy hook and a driving beat, is a celebration of the power of music to bring people together and lift them up. Another standout track is “Home,” which was released in 2022 and features a collaboration with Jamaican singer Koffee. The song is a heartfelt tribute to Yaksta’s hometown of Kingston, and the struggles and joys that come with growing up in the inner city.

Yaksta’s success has not gone unnoticed by the music industry, and he has been nominated for several awards, including the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association Awards and the International Reggae and World Music Awards. He has also collaborated with other artists, including Popcaan, Agent Sasco, and Beenie Man, and has performed at major festivals such as Reggae Sumfest and Rebel Salute.

Despite his success, Yaksta remains humble and focused on his craft. He is committed to using his platform to inspire and uplift others, and to promote positive change in his community and beyond. In a recent interview, he spoke about his desire to give back to those who have supported him along the way, saying, “I want to help my people, my community, and my country. I want to use my music to make a difference and to inspire others to do the same.”

With the release of his debut album, Yaksta has cemented his place as one of the rising stars of the dancehall scene. His music is a reflection of his personal journey and the struggles and triumphs of his community, and his message of resilience, hope, and unity resonates with audiences around the world. As he continues to grow and evolve as an artist, there is no doubt that Yaksta will continue to make his mark on the music industry and inspire others to follow their dreams.

Dr.

Lexie

is Family Nurse Practitioner and Doctor of Nursing Practice,

who is passionate about maternal-child health and is actively involved in professional organizations and altruistic endeavors to promote positive outcomes for patients.

Dr. Lexie tell us a little more about your passion. Despite suffering from a recently occurring disability that has an adverse impact on her mobility.

Dr. Lexie Bryan and her strong faith in God and her passion continues to fuel her drive to rise above her challenges to continue to serve the community.

I have always been passionate about the wellbeing of babies and children and realized at a tender age the gravity of parental influence- especially that of the mother. This passion greatly influenced my career trajectory. With the goal of becoming a medical professional someday, I commenced my professional journey the summer before beginning high school by becoming a volunteer in the maternity ward, where I was primarily stationed in the postnatal unit. It was there that I was exposed to the delicate yet precious moments of both the neonate and the mother, and the symbiotic relationship between them -the mother, the father and the family. I witnessed numerous issues that various dyads encountered including hypertensive issues, severe blood loss, domestic violence, VBAC, and premature births. This exposure revealed that there are many factors that determine health and wellness.

Several years later I became a Family Nurse Practitioner and now have the opportunity to provide care across the spectrum including maternalchild health. I have always said “healthy moms + healthy dads = healthy babies = healthy families and a healthy society. Altering any of the components of this equation will directly influence the other as is evident by the maternal and infant mortality rates being the highest among Black persons. As a woman of color, myself I know that I am at the highest risk for maternal mortality not only because of my racial and ethnic make up, but also because of my socioeconomic and education background. I continued my studies to obtain a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in Healthcare Systems Leadership because I wanted the professional qualifications that will put me in good stead to influence decisions that will create far-reaching positive outcomes for patients. I focused my studies on the impacts that gestational diabetes has on maternal, fetal and neonatal health, including life beyond infancy, and the importance of culturally competent care when implementing preventive measures, which subsequently helped to shape the framework for my private practice, 4th Trimester Place.

I know that for true change to occur, a multifactorial approach is warranted. I have also expanded my involvement in maternal-child health through my involvement in professional organizations and various altruistic endeavors.

Through my nonprofit, Island Hope International, I organized the annual I’m Every Woman Health Expo, which aims to bring awareness to women’s