We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kahlil Wonda. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kahlil below.

Kahlil, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Is there a historical figure you look up to? Who are they and what lessons or values have you learned from them?
Bob Marley. We all know of his iconic music career. The drive and vision that it took to rise out of humble beginnings and achieve what he was able to in such a short time is truly amazing. He worked on his craft obsessively and was always ready when given the opportunity to perform. That work ethic is definitely something I try to model.

Another lasting lesson from Bob’s life is the love and generosity he showed for his community. He was known to give to those in need when asked and literally put his life on the line attempting to broker peace between rival gangs and political factions in Jamaica. The man was exemplary in that respect. A true hero.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I co-host and produce Reggae Lover, the longest running podcast dedicated to reggae-related discussion. The previous chapter of my career as a radio and nightclub DJ, promoter, and sound system selector has put me in the position to do what I’m doing now and do it well.

I was naturally immersed in Caribbean music from my birthplace in Guyana to Kingston, Jamaica where my family relocated when I was four years old. It wasn’t until I migrated to Brooklyn as a preteen in the early 90’s that my full indoctrination into dancehall culture was complete.

This passion for music led to an internship with an event production team while in college at Morehouse – my entry to the inside. That internship became an incubator and launchpad for my DJ career and my newly formed reggae sound system (think DJ crew with hosts, MC’s and DJ’s).

My dancehall/reggae sound system, Highlanda Sound, rocked dancefloors at over 100 different venues across Georgia. We held residencies at major clubs in Buckhead and Midtown Atlanta. We also toured all over the U.S., the Caribbean, and Japan.

In my 30’s, the focus changed more to the production of events and digital content. I started podcasting, blogging, and was recruited to join a new internet radio station.

Now, with the success of Reggae Lover I’m most proud of the fact I’ve stayed true to the mission of promoting reggae music while expressing myself in various forms over the years. I’m excited about the evolution and what’s to come!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding part of being a creative for me is the ability to spread love. Love is one of my core values. Reggae music is about love. Some would say reggae is about knowing your roots. I say this is a form of self love. Some might say reggae is revolutionary music. To me this is the ultimate expression of love since its battling against an opposing evil force. What is the opposite of evil? Good, or love. So through my platform, I can break bread with fellow enthusiasts. I can teach about reggae and introduce new audiences to the many gifted artists and musicians of this beautiful genre. This is rewarding in itself. If people can love themselves and others more, how could that not be rewarding?

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
“Do You!: 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness,” by Russell Simmons was as eye opening read for me. Russell introduced me to the power of now. It’s a principle about trying to remain present in order to harness your true power. Its living every moment as if it’s your last. The biggest takeaway I had was if you don’t quit, you will succeed. The only way to fail is to quit. Kanye West was the example I recall. Russell, among other industry gatekeepers repeatedly told Kanye that he could never be a rapper. They told him “no,” they shut him down, they shut him up. He was told that nobody would want to hear him on a record. As we all know, Kanye never quit and look at him now. Those great teachings from Russell have stuck with me through the years.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://reggaelover.com
• Instagram: @kahlilwonda
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCX_YNLDngmkc39U5xPO1uNQ