Kybba Doesn’t Change His Sound To Follow Trends
Italian-born, Amsterdam-based DJ, producer, and founder of the Basshall Movement Kybba sits down with Galore to discuss his love for dancehall, staying true to what he loves when creating music and
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
What inspired you to start Basshall, and how has building a dancehall soundsystem/collective shaped your approach to production and collaborations?
Growing up in Salento (south of Italy) I was surrounded by sound system culture everywhere— we grew up listening to Jamaican Reggae and Dancehall. Latin music is also very popular in that area so that environment made me a crossover producer from the start, and Basshall is really a reflection of that mix.
You’re blending Dancehall and Reggaeton to create a new global sound. What specific elements from each genre do you foreground, and how do you avoid clichés while staying authentic?
I don’t overthink it, I just bring in the sounds I genuinely connect with, from dancehall/shatta and reggaeton to salsa and cumbia.
That’s what keeps it authentic. It’s not about avoiding clichés, it’s about making music that reflects what I actually live and listen to.
The “Ba Ba Bad” remix with Ryan Castro and Sean Paul topped Colombia charts. What did that collaboration teach you about international appeal and working with artists from different scenes?
It was an amazing feeling to see this production style and dancehall influence connect on that level globally. More than anything, it gave me motivation and confidence to keep pushing this sound even further.
With a strong following in Colombia and growing presence in the US and LATAM, how do you tailor your sound and visuals to resonate with diverse audiences without losing your core identity?
I stay true to my identity and don’t change my sound to follow trends or fit markets. Even when working with bigger artists, I stick to what I genuinely like—that’s what connects in the long run.
The new single featuring J Balvin and Rytikal signals big momentum. How are you approaching the success of this with what you lean into next?
I don’t let it put pressure on me—I see it as an opportunity. Working with J Balvin and Rytikal on this song is something I’m really grateful for. For me, it opens the door to reach more people and keep creating without overthinking it.
“I Love It” was shot in Jamaica with psychedelic post-production. What was your creative vision behind that visual?
It was shot between Jamaica and Turks & Caicos and it represents different scenarios and energies. Just like the track blends sounds, the visuals mix environments in the same way. Big shoutout to the director for executing that vision.
You’ve chosen collaborators who push the culture forward. What qualities do you look for in artists, and how do you co-create to ensure the track remains culturally respectful and innovative?
I only work with artists I genuinely like and listen to, whether they’re friends or people I’ve been a fan of. That keeps everything natural—there’s real respect there, and the collaboration feels authentic from the start.
Tell us about your new song “Clase”.
Lion Fiah and I have been working together since the beginning, he’s the first Latin artist I ever worked with. I’m very excited to have a new track again with him. Rafa, Citriem & Kensel are insanely talented artists so it was a blast working with them for the first time. The track is a crossover – a dancehall beat with a classic salsa sample that perfectly represents our signature sound.
Looking ahead, where do you want your sound to evolve in the next year or two, and what impact do you hope Basshall and your productions have on the global dancehall/reggaeton landscape?
My goal is to keep growing the sound and reaching more people worldwide, while also creating opportunities for new artists in the movement to shine. Musically, I want to keep evolving—bringing in more electronic influences—but always staying true to what I love.
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
