“I want people to feel something when they see or hear me. I find myself through music. It’s saved my life. I hope that my music can do the same for others. If I can touch even one person’s life in a meaningful way, then I’m fulfilling my purpose. ”
Kayo Guevarra (né Filbert Salton) was born and raised in the Caribbean island of St. Lucia.
Kayo describes his sound as ‘Future meets Fugees’. It’s a lush blend of hip-hop, R&B and Reggae; a raspy delivery mixed with unique cadence, catchy melodies and a certain rhythm that could only stem from his island upbringing.
Inspired by the likes of Bob Marley, The Fugees, Kardinal Offishall, 2Pac, and Jay-Z, Kayo began honing his talent through poetry at the age of 14.
Eventually, Kayo turned his poetry to songs. Music quickly became a part of his identity, as he feverishly pursued his career as an artist. He had his first big performance at the St Lucia Jazz Festival, and a hit single on the airwaves in 2007 with a local Jazz band called Sisterhood, followed by his first solo break out record -, Endless Summer. He continued to collaborate throughout the Caribbean with dancehall and soca artists, until he realized that he needed more. Kayo soon decided that if he wanted to create a life for himself and his family through music, he’d have to leave his island home; even if for a while.
At the age of 20, Kayo moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia to study marketing at Saint Mary’s University, while simultaneously continuing to pursue music. He immersed himself in the local hip-hop scene where he met future mentor Classified. Class signed Kayo to a production deal via his imprint, Half Life Records, resulting in a licensing deal with EMI Music Canada. He then released ‘1 Night’, his first national single with Half Life/EMI - A club track about the beauty of women “and the insecurities they live with that can ultimately destroy them.”
That “sugar with the medicine” approach to songwriting is the basis for what Kayo’s music is all about - creating a uniquely potent and penetrating sound while penning songs with substance and purpose - Music that makes you feel something. 9 albums, 7 cross country tours, several songwriting credits, film and television placements later, Kayo is still paving his way to being one of the most prolific artists of our time.