Kyapi

In an industry filled with “wanna-bes” and Reality TV show contestants, Dancehall Reggae artist Kyapi is the “Captain” of his own destiny. With nearly 45,000 records sold independently and a 2003 Billboard chart-topping hit single “Me You Want” to his success, Kyapi is no longer “a tryin’ yout’.” The singer/songwriter has given opening performances for Sean Paul, Buju Banton, Beenie Man, Bounty Killa, and Red Rat. He’s toured the state of Florida, Texas, and South Carolina. Karl Bradshaw isn’t waiting for the elimination round of anyone’s talent competition. With promotions in retail stores, restaurants, salons and boutiques all over South Florida, not only is Kyapi on stage; he’s in the streets. The dude on the COOYAH posters, the Reggae artist that the DJ was biggin’ up last night, the Jamaican who just sold a copy of his album to the Spanish-speaking lady right next to you— is KYAPI. You’ve seen him around. You just don’t know the story...
Born and raised in Saint Andrews, Jamaica, he spent the later part of his youth in Brooklyn, New York where Hip Hop and Reggae became one love, and a dream of making music became business. Kyapi made his first record in Kingston, Jamaica on the Sound Buster label in 1998. Caribbean Gold, an independent label based in Miami produced “Me U Want” in 2003, resulting in over $300,000 in record sales. The success of Kyapi’s recording projects through other independent labels led him to start his own, Kami Records. With Warren Jones as A&R Director and Simi Franco as Publicist, the success of Kami Records is shared by Kyapi’s loyal business partners. Many self-proclaimed “hustlers” in the music industry are often associated with drugs and violence, as described in their lyrics or confirmed by criminal backgrounds. So how did Kyapi legally turn $100 into $10,000; and then turn $10,000 into $300,000? He answers, “I actually pray for the Most-High to help me sell these cd’s. As an artist, there’s the fear of rejection, and you don’t want to go through it. But you go from one to nine, and at the end of the day, you have money in your pocket. And you’re amazed because you didn’t even want to go out and do it that morning.” Defying America’s misconceptions about urban artists, Kyapi isn’t a thug, a gangsta, a pusher, or a pimp. He’s a day trading stockbroker, a clothing model, an independent record label executive and a recording artist. When he began trading stocks, he also developed an investment program for his recording project. Realizing a rare talent for both the business and creative sides of music, Karl Bradshaw has successfully managed and marketed his own ventures as the leading artist and president of his record company. The Dancehall Reggae performer has even developed more of a multicultural fan base by learning Spanish and creating Spanish versions of his songs. Combining Hip Hop’s urban influence with the Island sound of Jamaica, Kyapi creates “feel-good music, good vibes for all people.” His latest album A Don’s Devotion is very sexy with Dancehall tracks that call the hips and thighs to wind and grind. Sensual without being derogatory, bold yet free of profanity, the Don proves he’s devoted to making positive music. The album includes tracks produced by Anton Thompson, Ian Samuel, and Red Rat’s brother “Genius” Troy Wilson. Top-selling producer Ric Wake, who has worked with Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey says, “Even if Reggae isn’t your thing, you’re gonna like this. This is good music.”
Kyapi is currently promoting his new single “Shake it off.” Bound to be a hit in clubs everywhere, the lyrics are: Shake it off if a gal say she hate you/She just mad ‘cause her man wan’ date you/ But dat no vex /No dat nay phase you/Gal say you soft/But yo girl me rate you/ A gal a wonder how you flex and how you stay so/ Meanwhile them man a drop them like hot potato/Want imitate but can’t emulate you/ Want intimidate but can’t eliminate you The song’s message transcends gender and encourages listeners to disregard the jealousy and insecurity of others. A proven method that has made him a confident business man and a successful recording artist; Kyapi definitely practices what he preaches. Log on to akamirecords.com for more information on upcoming radio releases, performance dates and other promotions..
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