I-Octane - File

Fresh off an inspiring performance in Orlando, Florida, reggae artiste I-Octane is looking forward to a great set of shows in the United Kingdom this weekend. He plans to perform like he has never done before, as he continues to build a reputation as perhaps the next great reggae act from Jamaica.

The singer, who has delivered hits such as Lose a Friend and No Love Inna Dem, described his performance in Orlando as great, but gave much of the credit to the patrons - his fans, who turned out.

"The people who come out to my shows have a different mindset. You can see the changes in them. They come with a cool, humble vibe," he said. "They had a great time. Most of the people were tolerant and they were satisfied."

Buoyed by that performance and resulting response, I-Octane is looking forward to the UK trip on which, for the first time, he will be using a live band while performing at two shows - today in Birmingham, and in London on Sunday.

a totally different level

On previous trips, fans did not really get to experience as they should, he explained. On his first trip, he only performed briefly while touring with Tarrus Riley. On a subsequent trip, he performed only on tracks. This time, he said, he will be working with Ruff Kut Band, and this will allow his fans to experience him on a totally different level.

"This is going to be a different experience," he said. "I will have a better approach and better delivery to offer this time. The last time the people were crazy over the music, it's going to be much better this time around."

He added that using a live band allows him to get his fans more involved in his performances.

Following a brief stop in the UK, Octane returns to Jamaica for a show in St Thomas on May 28 before leaving early the next morning for Miami where he is down to perform later that night at the Best of the Best show at Bicentennial Park.

In Miami, I-Octane expects to perform many of his burgeoning list of hits including his fresh new single, Crying to the Nation.