Fourteen years after Jamaican reggae artist Gyptian captivated global audiences with his Billboard-charting hit “Hold Yuh,” New York-based alternative R&B/dancehall artist Nesta has reimagined the beloved track in his recent single, “Outside.”
Released in June and produced by Black Wax, “Outside” has quickly garnered widespread attention, even going viral on social media platforms. In an interview with the Jamaica Observer’s online division, Nesta explained his decision to sample Gyptian’s iconic song.
“’Hold Yuh’ is just one of those records that puts you in a good mood as soon as it comes on,” Nesta shared. “Being a big fan of Gyptian, I thought it would be dope to breathe some new life into the record.”
A Deep-Rooted Connection to Gyptian
Nesta’s admiration for Gyptian goes beyond “Hold Yuh.” He revealed that he has been a fan since Gyptian’s debut album, “My Name is Gyptian,” citing tracks like “Serious Times,” “What Are We Fighting For,” and “Through The Valley” as some of his favorites.
“Gyptian is one of my big influences, and I look forward to really working with him in the future,” Nesta noted.
A Viral Sensation
The release of “Outside” has seen unexpected viral success, resonating with listeners worldwide.
“To be honest, I didn’t know this would go viral like the way it did,” Nesta admitted. “I was so happy to see it resonate with people the way it resonates with me. To know they wanted to get the sample cleared as well made the whole experience better because they got to say they were a part of this record coming into fruition.”
A Legacy of Musical Talent
Nesta’s foray into music seems almost predestined, given his family background. He is the son of Basil Gayle, the former lead singer of the Jamaican reggae group The Visionaires, formed out of The Twelve Tribes of Israel Organization. His mother also sang with Twelve Tribes, further embedding musical talent in Nesta’s DNA.
“My father was an amazing artist, and my mother also sang with Twelve Tribes. A lot of my siblings and family are musically inclined, so it’s something that I’ve always loved and could never escape from,” he shared.
Musical Journey and Influences
Reflecting on his musical journey, Nesta described it as “a journey of lessons, growth, and blessings.” Influenced by musical legends Nat King Cole, Lauryn Hill, The-Dream, and Sizzla, Nesta embraces an eclectic sound that spans various genres.
“My style is a mix of so many different styles of music, and it can change depending on how I feel in the moment of creating,” he explained. “One day it may be more on the R&B side, the next day reggae and dancehall, the next day I may be feeling the Afro vibes. I have too much influence and love for music to say that this style or genre is all I do.”
An Unfulfilled Dream
Despite his deep-rooted Jamaican heritage, Nesta has yet to visit the island.
“I’ve never been to Jamaica, but I truly look forward to going real soon,” he said with anticipation.
A Multi-Instrumental Talent
Born Marcus Nesta Gayle, the artist is proficient in various instruments, including the piano, guitar, melodica, and the kete drum.
With “Outside,” Nesta not only pays homage to Gyptian but also showcases his unique musical prowess, blending various influences to create something fresh and exciting. As the world continues to dance to his tunes, Nesta remains a testament to the rich musical legacy that flows through his veins.
