Dancehall artist Sikka released new single “I Know” on December 1 through Virgin and Radar Live partnership, marking his return after surviving gun violence, incarceration and personal tragedy
Javian Chambers, the dancehall artist formerly known as Sikka Rymes and once regarded as the closest protégé of Vybz Kartel, has returned to music with a new single and global distribution deal. Now performing simply as Sikka, the Trench Town-born artist signed with Virgin and Radar Live for worldwide digital distribution across the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and the United States, with UK stages serving as his live performance base.
Based in London, the artist released his new single “I Know” on December 1, 2025, marking the first offering from his upcoming album Still Strong, scheduled for global release in January 2026 through his own label Sikk Records in partnership with Virgin and Radar Live.
Symbolic release date
The December 1 release date carries personal significance for Chambers. On the same day in 2019, he sustained gunshot wounds to his leg, hand and chest following a performance near Kingston, Jamaica. The intervening years brought additional challenges including wrongful conviction, 15 months in UK detention facilities at HMP Wandsworth and HMP Huntercombe, and separation from his family including two young daughters and a son.
During this period, Chambers also became insulin-dependent after developing Type 1 diabetes and experienced the death of his mother, Angella Jarrett, on March 3, 2023. His upcoming album Still Strong draws from these experiences, exploring themes of loyalty, resilience, truth-seeking, healing and artistic rebirth.
Single and visual concept
The artist describes “I Know” as a truth-telling anthem addressing forgotten sacrifices and challenging revised narratives. The single reflects his experiences working intensively within the dancehall movement, maintaining commitment even while managing personal trauma, building an independent career and dealing with family loss.
The music video for “I Know” was directed by Sikka alongside Warrionz Mediaz, who handled cinematography. The visual concept addresses memory, manipulation and historical accuracy within the dancehall community, serving as acknowledgment of loyal movement supporters.
Album themes and direction
Still Strong chronicles Chambers’ journey from Trench Town to Portmore to London, from near-death experience to recovery, and from underground roots to international ambition. The album explores family, truth, justice, physical illness, PTSD, trust, rebuilding and unwavering loyalty while also celebrating life, love and resilience.
Beyond addressing difficult truths, the album includes tracks dedicated to female supporters, incorporating wordplay, rhythm and renewed energy. The project represents both survival testimony and vibrant new chapter, demonstrating artistic evolution and forward momentum supported by an international team of music industry professionals.
Partnership structure
Sikk Records is an independent label created by Chambers to champion dancehall, reggae and trap-dancehall artists across Jamaica, the UK, the US and worldwide. The label focuses on developing boundary-pushing artists and elevating their voices on international platforms.
Radar Live is a music services company providing global distribution, artist services and branding for independent and partner-label artists. With presence spanning North America, Europe and the Caribbean, Radar Live works to propel regional talent onto international platforms through streaming, promotion and live activation.
Virgin Music Group supports independent and major-label partners by providing access to worldwide streaming, physical distribution, marketing and promotional resources. Under their model, artists can access major-label infrastructure while retaining creative independence through their own imprints.
Career context
Chambers previously gained recognition within the dancehall community through association with Vybz Kartel and the Gaza movement. His earlier work established him as a significant voice within the genre before the personal and legal challenges that interrupted his career trajectory.
The return marks a strategic repositioning with professional infrastructure supporting international reach. The partnership with established distribution and label services provides resources for sustained career development beyond the initial single and album release.
The January 2026 album release will determine whether the comeback generates sustained momentum or represents a isolated return. Market reception to “I Know” and the accompanying visual will provide early indicators of audience interest in Chambers’ artistic evolution and willingness to engage with his personal narrative.
