Conkarah debuts ‘Papaya’

Island-pop breakout star, Conkarah. Alix Charles, Jr.
Island-pop breakout star, Conkarah.
Alix Charles, Jr.

Summer just got sweeter with the debut of Diamond-certified, island-pop breakout star Conkarah’s new flavorful track and music video for “Papaya (Sick Wit It Crew Mix)” from the forthcoming EP Destination Unknown due out later this summer — featuring special musical guests.

According to the New York-based entertainment company BMG, the release is the follow up single to the global hit “Banana,” featuring Grammy® award-winning reggae singer/producer Shaggy — which has now surpassed over 2 billion global streams to date, the first Jamaican artist to accomplish this milestone in a short release period.

“Papaya” arrives fresh on the heels of the news that “Banana,” is now certified 2x diamond, platinum, and gold in Mexico, and Platinum in Brazil, Canada, India, Netherlands, and Gold in Norway — “a testament to the power of the viral hit, which has catapulted Conkarah into global success,” said BMG on Monday.

Written by Conkarah and produced by Unomas and DJ Mafi (Sick Wit It Crew), “’Papaya’ is an irresistible feel-good tune with an infectious production that captures the intoxicating rhythm of island sounds and provides the perfect soundtrack to a summer escape,” BMG said.

Directed by veteran director Javier Romero (Akon, Farruko, DJ Khaled), BMG said the vibrant “Papaya” visual “transports you to a tropical oasis with feel-good vibes full of fun and groove, backed by bouncy chords and exotic melodies that’ll get you on your feet.”

Having surpassed a combined two billion global streams and topping charts in over 23 countries, with diamond, platinum and gold certifications in Mexico, Canada, India, Netherlands, and Norway, BMG said Conkarah has emerged as “a musical force to be reckoned with.”

Hailing from Kingston, the Jamaican capital, BMG said Conkarah is bringing disparate cultures together with his vibrant brand of “Island Pop” — “a colorful concoction melding reggae, dancehall and harmony with classic songwriting, tropical rhythms and irreverent good humor.”

“’Banana’ featuring his fellow Jamaican, international reggae singer/producer Shaggy, proved a chart-topping global smash, fueled in part by the hugely popular #BANANADROP dance challenge, including videos by such celebrities and top influencers as Jason Derulo, Charli D’Amelio, Nicole Scherzinger, Chiara Ferragni, Neymar and Addison Rae,” BMG said.

“With ‘Banana’ still breaking records, Conkarah is ready to follow it up with yet another flavorful single, ‘Papaya (Sick Wit It Crew Mix),’” BMG added.