With his latest single “Vanpersie,” Jamaican artist KQualiti transforms football inspiration into a sizzling, feel-good anthem that’s got as much lyrical flair as breezy dancehall cool. Released on May 2, 2025, the track takes its name from the legendary Dutch striker Robin van Persie, whose footwork and finesse sparked an unexpected flow in KQualiti while he watched a match. But of course, this rhythm-driven banger pays homage to other football greats like Pelé and Valverde, threading their iconic energy into the lyrical fabric with style and ease.
Born Shakir Christopher Campbell in Kingston’s Red Hills Road community, KQualiti has long carried the vibrant spirit of his city in his music. That authenticity shines through on “Vanpersie,” which was written in a rush of creative momentum and recorded in a single take at Todd Recording Studio, with engineer Carlos Allwood behind the mix.
The track kicks off with KQualiti’s animated, crisp, and catchy voice, before warm harmonies swirl in like mist, bringing a smooth, airy layer over the laid-back groove. Soft tapping percussion guides the flow while shimmering melodies flicker gently up top, and a deep, rumbling bassline anchors it all with just the right amount of grit.
The real surprise arrives with the feature from Lukie D, the powerhouse vocalist from the renowned L.U.S.T group, whose fiery verse arrives as effortlessly as it is impactful. True to his influences—Sanchez, Wayne Wonder, and Buju Banton—KQualiti balances vocal charisma with lyrical consciousness, never losing sight of the roots that shaped him.
Listen to “Vanpersie” by KQualiti on Spotify.
STAY IN TOUCH:
INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE
Review by: Naomi Joan