It's 10 pm on a Thursday at the Optimus Productions Studios, in a quiet neighbourhood in San Fernando.
Being the middle of the week, one wouldn't expect too much excitement, but this isn't just any other studio, as local dancehall star Yung Bredda is set to begin recording the fifth episode of his We Outside YouTube mix shortly.
The mix which features Yung Bredda alongside longtime friends and collaborators DJ Hotty and social media influencer Big Pimpin has amassed hundreds of thousands of views online, bringing the full experience of a fete to the comfort of your own home.
While the covid19 pandemic temporarily halted live performances, Yung Bredda and DJ Hotty never stopped working as they turned their attention to the internet, creating online mixes up to 40 minutes long.
These mixes which combined Yung Bredda's freestyling ability and raunchy wordplay and DJ Hotty's mixing skills, propelled the friends to social media stardom.
At 23, Yung Bredda, (Akhenatan Lewis) remains one of the most sought-after local artistes for promoters in the region, having performed at Tribe's 2023 Carnival band launch earlier this year and completing a Caribbean tour shortly after.
Even with this busy schedule, he still finds the time to record the We Outside, YouTube mix, which now features video recordings to provide a more immersive experience.
The mix brings everything audiences have come to know and love about Yung Bredda including his racy sense of humour and DJ Hotty's song selection and mixing ability.
Speaking with Sunday Newsday before one of his recording sessions at the Optimus Productions Studio, Yung Bredda said while he is grateful for the success, he still feels he has a lot more to achieve.
A Sea Lots native, Yung Bredda's appreciation of music goes as far back as he can remember, from African drumming where he first developed an interest.
"From the age of five, I was playing drums, tambourine before entering a schoolband and learning music theory."
[caption id="attachment_991554" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Jelani Hepburn 'DJ Hotty', left plays his mix as local dancehall artiste Yung Bredda and social media influencer Big Pimpin look on during a recording session for their We Outside YouTube mix.PHOTO COURTESY AKIM RICHARDS (PRVSM MEDIA) - PHOTO COURTESY AKIM RICHARDS (PRVSM MEDIA)[/caption]
For Yung Bredda, family has always been an important part of his musical journey, noting that his mother and sister helped him write songs for calypso competitions while he was still a student of the Eastern Boys' Government Primary School.
He even credits the origin of his stage name to his family.
"I'm my mom's only son and I have sisters, I'm the youngest, hence the name Yung Bredda. It's simple."
Even before he adopted this moniker, Yung Bredda says he always had a dream of becoming an entertainer.
He says this vision for his future was further strengthened when he considered joining the TT Regiment when he was only 19.
"My cousin is also in the army he does music as well, he plays t
