Armanii stepped into the Power 105.1 studios fresh off a flight from Jamaica, greeted by the reality of New York’s bitter cold. But the temperature didn’t shake him. The 22 year old artist has been bouncing between worlds his whole life, and in front of Angie Martinez, he opened up about the journey that shaped him, the music that fuels him, and the future he knows he’s destined for.
From Kingston to Mount Vernon, a Migrant Story in Motion
Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Armanii’s world shifted when his mother brought him and his siblings to the United States at 17. The transition wasn’t smooth. He went from warm island life surrounded by childhood friends to the brisk, fast paced reality of Mount Vernon. At first, America didn’t live up to the dream he had been promised. The first two weeks felt magical, then reality hit. Still, he soaked in the experience and credits those four years in Mount Vernon with shaping the man he is today. Eventually, he moved to Atlanta before ultimately returning home to live in Jamaica full time. His upbringing was deeply spiritual. His mother, uncle, and aunt are all pastors, and that church influence still runs through his vocal choices and tonal style. “A lot of my cool tones come from the church,” he said. “That’s the soul.”
A Music Career Born Under a Blanket
Armanii didn’t start with studios or expensive equipment. In high school, he created music on an iPhone 6 with wired headphones and the BandLab app. He deleted nearly every app on his phone to make space for recordings and would hide under a blanket to get the sound right. The process was hot, uncomfortable, and raw, but it taught him discipline and vision. TikTok became the catalyst. One of his early songs exploded on the platform, giving him his first real taste of viral attention and a growing fan base. From there, he leaned into a sound that blended dancehall with drill, world music, and other global influences, creating what he calls a “worldly arc” of sound. “I keep the core Jamaican, but I mix in other genres so it feels bigger than just one lane,” he explained.
Rising Stages and Billboard Dreams
Armanii has already performed everywhere from local bars to stadiums. Most recently, he opened for Leon Thomas at a Billboard event, a moment he still can’t fully believe. “For a kid like me from Jamaica, Billboard is a fantasy,” he said. Despite his growing momentum, he thrives most when performing for crowds that don’t know him yet. He loves converting new listeners into believers in real time.
“The Impact” - A Debut Album for All Walks of Life
Armanii’s debut album The Impact drops Friday, and he promises that there’s something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a heartbreak anthem, a love song, a party vibe, or a nostalgic reggae moment, the project offers a wide range of feelings and influences. One standout track, “Champion,” was inspired by Jamaica’s struggle and resilience following Hurricane Melissa. Although his own family was safe in Kingston, he wanted to give people hope and motivation during a dark time. “No matter what you’re going through, that song will lift your spirit,” he said. The album also includes collaborations, including a cameo from Kingdon Marley Dunn, and leans into reggae roots while pushing dancehall into new, global territory.
Inside the Studio: Freestyling, Not Writing
Armanii shocked Angie when he revealed that he no longer writes his music. He freestyles every track in the studio. “I feel like writing takes away from what music really is,” he said. “When you’re in the moment, the hit is better.” He builds around melodies and mumbles from initial takes, adding words and structure later without overthinking it.
Games, Pet Peeves, and Megan Good
During Angie’s fan favorite segment “Check It or Let It Slide,” Armanii revealed that he’s patient with bad Jamaican accents, strict about bad cooking, and absolutely checking anyone who mislabels him as someone’s “current boyfriend” without consent.
We also learned:
His celebrity crush is Megan Good.
His dream role is playing her Jamaican love interest in a movie.
His hobby is gaming, mainly Fortnite.
His superpower is adaptability.
His last meal was jollof rice with chicken.
His go to karaoke song is “All of Me” by John Legend.
His favorite emoji is the 8 ball, which he sees as a symbol of good luck.
Despite being shy in public, his warmth and humor shined through the entire conversation.
Looking Ahead: Grammys and Global Domination
Armanii sees the next five years clearly. He wants a Grammy, big collaborations, and a career that continues expanding across genres and borders. With The Impact about to drop, the young artist is stepping into a new chapter, and Jamaica is ready. “They’re excited,” he said. “They can’t wait.”
As Angie wrapped the interview, she told him what everyone watching was probably thinking: the journey may feel long to him, but the rise has been real. Armanii’s debut album The Impact drops Friday on all platforms.