Lighta
Lighta, Carrying the Flame of Caribbean Joy
Some artists discover music. Others are born into it, like a tide that pulls them forward long before they know how to swim. Dyllon Cassell, known to many as Lighta, belongs to the second kind.
Born and raised in Montserrat until the age of 13, Lighta’s musical roots run deep into Caribbean soil. He is the son of the late, honorable Justin “Hero” Cassell, a legendary calypsonian and songwriter whose fingerprints are etched into Caribbean music history with iconic hits like Tiney Winey and the globally explosive Hot Hot Hot. Music, for Lighta, was not a career choice at first. It was the air in the room, the sound of ideas being shaped, lyrics penned, and melodies traveling from the studio to the radio waves.
That early exposure quietly planted a seed.
Lighta’s journey into music unfolded organically. Watching his father create songs from scratch sparked a fascination with the creative process itself. Over time, that fascination turned into intention. His artist name, “Lighta,” began as a teenage nickname, but over the years it evolved into a fitting identity, one that reflects the brightness and feel good energy of his sound.
In 2012, a casual studio session alongside DJ Tyrone became a turning point. What started as fun quickly gained traction, with positive feedback from listeners and encouragement from his brother, Sean Cassell, pushing Lighta to take music seriously. From that moment, there was no turning back.
At the heart of Lighta’s artistry is soca, in its purest, joy fueled form. His music is designed to move bodies and lift spirits, whether blasting through car speakers, igniting carnival crowds, or soundtracking summer memories. It’s happy music with purpose, rooted in celebration, freedom, and togetherness.
His influences read like a Caribbean and global hall of fame. His father Hero remains his greatest inspiration, hands down, alongside his uncle Arrow, brother, Kes, Skinny Fabulous, and the timeless Bob Marley. That lineage is audible in his sound, a blend of classic soca sensibilities with a modern edge. While Lighta carries a subtle old school flavor, he is actively evolving, simplifying and refining his sound to make it more globally palatable without losing its soul.
Though he has experimented with dancehall, Lighta knows where his heart lives. Soca is where his talent shines brightest.
Creatively, inspiration finds him everywhere. Melodies appear unexpectedly, sometimes recorded quickly on his phone before they disappear. Other times, it begins with a beat that loops endlessly until a story forms. His lyrics often draw from real life experiences, grounding his music in authenticity. Nearly all of his work is produced by Soca Child at Riddim Up Production, giving his catalog a cohesive and recognizable sound.
One standout release, “The Boat,” captures Lighta’s creative mindset perfectly. Inspired by attending numerous boat parties over the summer, he realized there was no anthem dedicated to that experience. So he made one.
The track paints a vivid picture of sun soaked decks, carefree vibes, and unforgettable energy. Compared to his usually melodic style, “The Boat” leans more aggressive in delivery, showcasing another dimension of his artistry.
Lighta’s mission is beautifully simple. He wants people to be happy. He wants them to have a good time. And judging by the way audiences of all ages and cultures respond to his music, he is doing exactly that.
Like many independent artists, his biggest challenge lies in marketing and getting the music beyond social media. Yet his ambition remains steady. His dream is to create an international hit, one that carries soca’s joy across borders. Artists like Patrice Roberts inspire him with their style and consistency, while Chronixx remains a dream collaboration.
Off stage, Lighta describes himself as shy, most comfortable at home on the sofa watching TV. But once the music starts, that shyness melts away, replaced by rhythm, confidence, and a deep connection to the crowd.
Offstage Life
As he continues to develop new material, listeners can expect a fresh wave of songs exploring a variety of styles, all anchored by the same joyful core. Lighta is not just continuing a legacy. He is reshaping it for a new generation, one dance at a time.
