Robbyn Goode talks ‘Mic Check’ and that Fambo photo

Hell hath no fury like a singer with a microphone – and Robbyn Goode is making sure her ex hears every word.

The emerging Jamaican artiste is turning the wreckage of a bruising breakup into musical ammunition with Mic Check, a fiery new single that takes aim at a former partner who, she says, doubted her ambitions but still struggled to let her go.

It is a bold statement from a singer whose first brush with widespread attention came through something far less musical: a photograph with dancehall veteran Future Fambo, cheekily captioned ‘Beauty and the Beast’.

The post promptly set social media buzzing, with fans speculating that romance might be in the air. Neither has publicly confirmed anything. However, the two have been photographed at events and restaurants all over the Corporate Area.

“We’re just friends,” Robbyn Goode insisted.

What Goode will confirm is that Fambo has become a friend, financier and mentor, helping her navigate the music industry as she attempts to build her career independently, without the machinery of a major record label behind her.

Now Mic Check is generating its own chatter – and Goode is eager to discover whether that early buzz can survive the ultimate Jamaican test: the stage.

“I haven’t officially performed it yet, so I’m looking forward to seeing the response at a live performance,” she said.

Interestingly, Mic Check almost never happened.

Goode had written an entirely different song for the rhythm and walked into the studio prepared to record it. Producer Blue, however, wasn’t convinced. His verdict was blunt: the original track was too “pretty”, and its subject matter was unlikely to strike a nerve with listeners.

So Goode changed course and dug into something considerably more personal. The result was Mic Check, a record fuelled by the anger, disappointment and emotional fallout of a failed relationship.

Goode already has one notable collaboration under her belt. Her biggest release to date is Irie Love, featuring reggae veteran Anthony B and produced by Buggie.

“Anthony is a reggae icon, so it’s not surprising,” she said of the song’s popularity. “I am honoured to have been able to do a song with him.”

Away from the recording booth, Goode has been sharpening her stagecraft through impromptu appearances alongside Future Fambo, including outings at Taboo. Her most recent rehearsed performance came at Live and Loud, where she performed with a live band – an experience that only intensified her appetite for the stage. There are no confirmed bookings on her calendar yet, although discussions are under way with several promoters.

“I can’t wait to touch the stage again,” she said.

And there could soon be considerably more music.

Goode revealed that discussions have already begun about putting together an EP, with several songs emerging as potential standouts. Among them is Story, which is set to appear on the forthcoming Rum and Boom rhythm with Supa Hype, as well as Boss Girl on the Wicked YS rhythm, also connected to the popular producer.

“About three weeks ago, I was discussing doing an EP with someone,” Goode revealed. “I feel like the time is coming, so stay tuned.”

For now, though, Mic Check serves as both an introduction and a warning shot.

The relationship may be finished, but Robbyn Goode clearly intends to have the final word. And, this time, the microphone is on.

entertainment@gleanerjm.com