Cholita Talks Her “Island Girl Motive,” Dre Skull, H&M Rotation & Skillibeng Feature
- Akeeile Harris
- Dec 10, 2025
- 4 min read
Exclusive: The rising Kingstonian talent blends R&B with local genres, earning early acclaim through collaborations with Skillibeng, guidance from Dre Skull, and global playlist rotation - including H&M’s worldwide playlist. The Jamaican newcomer balances her artistic rise with an academic background that includes a degree in Animal Biology.
Cholita steps into her moment as ‘Island Girl in Her Feels’
Jamaican newcomer Cholita continues her rising momentum as one of the island’s most intriguing new talents, enjoying early flashes of fame while collaborating with dancehall superstar Skillibeng, working with acclaimed producer Dre Skull, and earning playlist placements such as H&M’s global rotation for her debut single “Next Time.”
With her recent release “Without You,” a sensual second single featuring Skillibeng, the Kingston-born artist has now secured a coveted spot on Billboard’s Monthly Fresh Picks column, another achievement in the early stages of her blossoming career.
Working with acclaimed American producer Dre Skull, who's known for his work with Popcaan, Vybz Kartel, Burna Boy and many more, Cholita is already soaring on the right wings. “Right around the time I had just written my first song, Dre reached out and asked if I was making music. It honestly felt like divine timing because I was able to send him my one and only demo,” she said in an exclusive conversation with Kaboom Magazine. “Working with Dre Skull has been an incredible learning experience. He has taught me so much about different approaches to making music and how important it is to let the process flow naturally.”
Turning to her collaboration with Skillibeng, Cholita explained how smoothly it came together. “When we were making ‘Without You,’ we wanted someone who could add a unique and special layer to the song, and Skillibeng immediately came to mind. My team reached out to him and he agreed to be part of it. The process was really seamless, he sent over two different verses, and the one we chose fit the track perfectly and brought everything together naturally.”
“Working with Dre Skull has been an incredible learning experience. He has taught me so much about different approaches to making music and how important it is to let the process flow naturally
Her sound blends smooth R&B with touches of reggae and dancehall, creating a distinctive fusion that sets her apart. It’s a refreshing mix that gives Cholita a unique creative identity and something truly different to bring to the table. “Being from Kingston and hearing reggae and dancehall growing up has shaped my musical DNA in a deep way and informs so much of what I do,” she shared. “But when music speaks to you, it’s bigger than any one genre. I’m definitely willing to explore different sounds when I’m creating. The music you listen to becomes a part of you, so when I’m working on songs, different aspects of who I am emerge.”
She describes her style as “a blend of energy and emotion.” In her words: “I love music that makes you feel something deeply but still makes you dance and bop. At its core, my sound is what I call ‘island girl in her feels’—always rooted in warmth, rhythm, and real emotion.”
Unlocks early milestones and sets her eyes on a massive 2026.
Her debut single “Next Time” has already begun gaining international traction as it nears the 2 million views mark on YouTube, earning radio rotation and securing a spot on H&M’s global playlist. “Just watching my music travel through the world is amazing, whether it’s hearing it play on the radio here in Kingston, seeing it play in other countries, or knowing people are listening around the world,” Cholita noted.
“When I saw H&M had picked it, I was surprised, but in the best way. Getting all these kinds of recognition at this stage feels really encouraging. I’m so grateful for every bit of support that comes my way, and it’s never something I take for granted,” she added excitedly.
She’s not only a musician, but Cholita is also deeply academic, merging her lifelong passion for animals and conservation into a full degree. “I’ve always been creative, but not many people know I also have a deep passion for animals and conservation,” she revealed. “I actually pursued it seriously and graduated with a degree in Animal Biology with a minor in Psychology. It’s something that has shaped me just as much as music, and it’s a part of me that surprises a lot of people.”
As her sound continues to expand internationally, the singer hopes to collaborate with some big names in the future. “There are so many artists I would love to work with. I think nothing would be cooler than Jamaicans linking up to create music magic, but if I had to pick one, it would probably be Sean Paul. Globally, there are so many I admire and would love to collaborate with, including Kali Uchis, Jorja Smith, Tems, Masego, Snoh Aalegra, Rema, Ludmilla, and Ariana Grande.”
With a few early wins already under her belt, Cholita is focused on what comes next. “I’ve been working on a lot of new music and I’m super excited for it to be released. I’m going to keep dropping singles and I’m working towards a project,” she stated. “I can’t wait to share it with everyone who has been keeping up, so stay tuned for what’s coming next. 2026 is going to be a big year!”
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