Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with King Kanapi
KING KANAPI RELEASES GROOVY NEW REGGAE SINGLE “SET IN STONE”
Halmstad, Sweden — 2026-01-06 — Reggae singer King Kanapi (Mattias Jaakkonen) presents his hypnotic new single “Set in Stone,” a roots-driven track gaining traction among radio selectors. The song appears on his debut album Overshoot Day, a powerful body of work addressing humanity’s destructive impact on the earth — with “Set in Stone” standing out as its personal, emotional outlier.
A GROOVY ROOTS REGGAE TAKE ON REJECTION & MODERN DATING
“Set in Stone” dives into the turbulence of being rejected after what seemed like a promising date. Through sharp storytelling and honest emotion, the track explores the instability of modern dating — where some partners live fast, avoid commitment, and move on “at the drop of a hat.”
The lyrics highlight the shock of believing someone’s interest wasn’t set in stone, only to find yourself alone again — a loneliness that resonates with men worldwide.
THE SOUND: MEDITATIVE, PSYCHEDELIC ROOTS REGGAE
Produced by Chinx Roots, the riddim behind “Set in Stone” features:
- classic, hard-hitting roots drums
- a groovy, meditative, slightly psychedelic atmosphere
- room for the vocals to breathe and dance with the rhythm
King Kanapi’s vocal delivery is masculine yet smooth, weaving in and out of the riddim with intention. One verse steps into faster, wordier storytelling, adding dynamic lift before the track settles back into its hypnotic groove. Its repetition, timing, and strong outro make it both danceable and memorable.
ABOUT THE ALBUM & THE ART: A STATEMENT TO ACT NOW
Overshoot Day is more than an album — it’s a call to action.
It is King Kanapi’s debut album, rooted in strict roots reggae, and constructed as a statement about environmental collapse, corruption, overproduction, and the abandonment of our ancient, harmonious ways of living.
The cover art depicts King Kanapi himself, hooded and elevated in his symbolic canopy (“Kanapi”), observing the destruction of mankind and analyzing humanity’s “evillous way.” He looks out over a polluted, industrialized cityscape — not one specific city, but a representation of every major city contributing to global pollution, contrasted against serene, beautiful nature being exploited for profit and greed. The powerful lion on his hoodie symbolizes awareness, strength, and the spirit of resistance.
The album’s tracks tackle global issues with purpose:
- New Distractions — addressing how modern life’s dependence on cobalt (phones, batteries, devices) fuels exploitation and pulls people away from what truly matters
- Hemp – spotlighting hemp as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic
- Seize the Moment – gratitude and embracing life
- Legends – honouring overlooked activists such as Miriam Miranda, Russell Means, and African icons like Queen Nzinga, as well as Native leaders Tecumseh and Sitting Bull, anti-colonial figures like Patrice Lumumba, and many more who symbolize resistance, wisdom, and the fight for justice
- Wrong Choice – a storytelling piece promoting anti-violence
- Freedom Is a Must – a critique of corruption, oppression, and modern-day surveillance
- My Duty – King Kanapi’s personal message about fatherhood and responsibility
- Overshoot Day (title track) – a reflection on abandoning primitive sustainability for destructive modernization
Within these heavy global themes, “Set in Stone” serves as the album’s emotional intermission — shifting towards a deep struggle that men everywhere can relate to: heartbreak, rejection, and the quiet pain of being left behind.
Interview with King Kanapi
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
My parents listening to Bob Marley. Sounds cliché, but Bob’s legacy is undeniable.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I always sang a lot, everywhere I went, for as long as I can remember. I also hummed made-up melodies to myself. In hindsight it must have been annoying to people around me sometimes.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
Ever since I first started playing my mom’s guitar when I was 13, I’ve always wanted to release a roots reggae album. When you hold a goal so close to your heart, you want to make sure that it comes out as you envisioned it. It feels good to know that I am fully pleased with all the songs on it and that they play well together as an album. This one (Set In Stone) in particular came from when I heard the riddim (which is beautifully composed by Chinx Roots, big up to him same way) and started to hum on the melody for the hook. It started with the first 2 lines “Chilling by myself makes me feel a little bit alone. Makes me wonder which time you coming home”. All of a sudden I had a concept and a vibe to follow. The day after, I finished writing the rest of the song. This one took under an hour to write. Generally, I try to use more English than I would in a dancehall song when I write a roots song. It’s interesting how it works: sometimes you only need 20 minutes and sometimes you revisit a song lyric over several sessions before you feel fully satisfied. When I finally record is when the final revisions are made. I find that essential in making sure that every word blends well with the instruments.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
Meditative, lyrical and conscious.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Learning Jamaican Patwa has to be the main thing. It’s much more melodious than “regular” English to me. It inspired me to write lyrics so much that the very first song I wrote at 16 was mainly in Patwa. Being married to my Jamaican wife, to whom I’ve spoken almost exclusively Patwa with from day one, has just kept that fire burning. I met her in 2012, so you can imagine how much practice I’ve had.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
Apart from singing, I also produce and compose. That could make the list quite lengthy. To keep it short I usually need a DAW, mic and instruments. If I compose the riddim myself (normally not when I do roots) that is usually my Akai MPK Mini MK3 and various VSTs. When I collaborate with new composers I browse social media and link up. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with producers from different countries already. They never needed to, but they chose to give me a chance. I’m grateful for that. That’s why I see collaborations as very important and something that I want to experience more in the future.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Lately, I’ve been listening to Ky July. I hope he gets the attention he deserves, a really talented yute.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Because I focus on conscious music, personal experiences play a huge role in my artistic vision. Going through this journey called life you learn so much, not only about yourself.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I hope that the voice and musicality makes them feel liberated from the hamster wheel or any stress or anxiety that they might have at the moment. But, in the end, I really hope that they listen to the lyrical content, not only for its rhyme schemes and other artistic choices. The main message is that before deities, the most important thing was living in symbiosis with nature. Consequently, we also tried to live together in harmony and peace. We share ONE home, Earth. We need to set aside our differences. If we don’t fight for what’s right there won’t be a home to share anymore.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
By making music I’m making room in my head to deal with another day on this crazy rollercoaster ride we call life. It’s an outlet for me, an outlet to get things said and emotions conveyed.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Summerjam in Cologne, Germany.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I’m such a fan of music, so it’s really hard to pick one. Lutan Fyah, Chezidek, Natty King, Busy Signal, Albert Griffiths and Vybz Kartel are some of the ones who really have inspired me.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
Single “Set in Stone”:
https://open.spotify.com/track/4f2BL9WVVC10e8FfGGIKoN?si=472aa40c8a7c4be1
https://music.apple.com/us/song/set-in-stone/1818711223
https://audiomack.com/king-kanapi/song/set-in-stone-album-version-album-version
https://link.deezer.com/s/31NlcAW6M8VfeI76cVKKr
https://music.amazon.in/tracks/B0FBX22ZC5?marketplaceId=A21TJRUUN4KGV&musicTerritory=IN&ref=dm_sh_QOcW8f9qvms21w0e184qCehvc
https://youtu.be/9HvEcs0wgQ0?si=AJFlo7Aj3mKNkbhd – (Lyric video)
Album Overshoot Day:
https://open.spotify.com/album/1dklcaj2HEehjawiZwYgjW?si=1P5T7yR8To20nWEvUUxL2w
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingkanapi/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@king.kanapi
✉️ kingkanapiproductions@gmail.com
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
Performing live at Summerjam, Rototom or Reggae Geel.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
That I’m versatile despite being conscious.
