Stay The Steppas

Marking their debut release with Easy Star Records, “Stay” sees The Steppas blurring the geographical lines of reggae, delivering a track that feels both homegrown in Hawaii and deeply rooted in Kingston. Produced by Phillip McFarlane of the celebrated roots band Earthkry, the single is a testament to the power of international collaboration, bridging the gap between the Pacific and the Caribbean. The production credits read like a modern reggae dream team, featuring the rock-solid rhythm section of Earthkry's Kamardo Blake on bass and Buju Banton's drummer Keneil Delisser, layered with the intricate guitar work of Nnamdi Robinson (from Chronixx's Zincfence Redemption). This heavyweight backing provides the perfect canvas for the band's signature vocal delivery, adding a layer of authentic Jamaican grit to their smooth island style.

Written by Star Alaniz and Kekolu Pavao, the track captures a band expanding its sonic horizons without losing the emotional core that defines them. The song serves as more than just a standalone single; it is the first fruit of a deepening creative partnership between the band and their Jamaican counterparts, developed through back-and-forth sessions between Hawaii and Jamaica with the intention of building a larger body of work. By merging the soulful, melodic storytelling of Hawaiian reggae with the militant, analog warmth of the Jamaican revival movement, “Stay” represents a bold new chapter for The Steppas, proving that the roots of the music stretch far beyond any single shoreline.