There are interviews that start with the artist on the defensive and end with him remembering his father's workshop. That was Sizzla Kalonji's in Costa Rica, and it's worth listening to in full.
An interview before the concert
On Friday, September 25, two days before his show in Costa Rica, Sizzla sat down to talk in a hotel in the San José area. The talk was done in the format ofReggae Family CR, the project ofLuiz Dubs, who was the one who managed the space. The concert was on Sunday, September 27 at the Nebula Center, produced byFree Productions Costa Rica.Adliticketsopened the door for the interview to take place.
The production requested that whoever was driving beDocta Rythm Selecta. Everything was put together in a couple of days, and the conversation still went smoothly.
Who is Docta Rythm Selecta?
Docta is one of the voices of the sound system in Costa Rica. He is co-founder ofThe Aces Sound System, created in 2009 together with Txino, Steady 7, Walter Solano and Freddy Rueda. Los Aces have their own sound towers and are behind many of the parties on the Tico scene. Learned leads alsoSay Docta Show, television and radio program, and has been throughRototom Sunsplashin 2023, 2024 and 2025.
At Pull It Up Radio we have already told part of its story:Docta Rythm Selecta celebrates its 20 years,Soca to the Caribbean: Docta Rythm Selecta from Playa Cocles,Docta Rythm Selecta Birthday Bash 2026: dancehall and respectandRototom Sunsplash 2024: the power of utopia lived to its fullest.
That's the key to why the production wanted him: someone who lives the sound system from the inside.
When Sizzla got loose
At first Sizzla was serious and calm. As Docta took the questions to a more personal level, things changed. One of the first was about his childhood in his father's workshop, with the family sound system. That memory helped Sizzla loosen up and the conversation flowed much better.
Sizzla, in context
Sizzla was born Miguel Orlando Collins in 1976, in St. Mary, and grew up in August Town, Kingston. Her career started in the 90s with the help of producer Philip "Fatis" Burrell, with the debut album Burning Up. With Black Woman & Child (1997) she was projected internationally.
From Judgment Yard, his community space in August Town that houses a studio, label (Kalonji Records) and youth work, he has sustained a body of work that blends Rasta spirituality, community development and resistance. His sing-jay style unites melody and deejaying. He was nominated for a GRAMMY for Best Reggae Album for The Messiah, and in 2025 he celebrated 30 years of career.
The poster of that night
Opening the night at the Nebula Center were DJs Jeren, Luiz Dubs, Ash, Rackaz and Iration, as well as Docta Rythm and Reggae Family, before Sizzla took the stage. A poster that speaks of a hungry and select local scene.
Watch the full interview
🎬Interview with Sizzla Kalonji, by Reggae Family CR
That an artist of Sizzla's stature opens up talking about his father and his sound system says a lot about how this music is connected: from the workshop, from the neighborhood, from the partnership. And having it hosted by a select few from the ethical scene itself is the best way to tell it. Big up to Docta Rythm Selecta, Luiz Dubs and Reggae Family CR, and Free Productions for the work.
📲 Follow us on @pullitupradio and tell us what you thought. Bless up, family.
Frequently asked questions
Where and when was the interview with Sizzla in Costa Rica?
It was on Friday, September 25, 2026, in a hotel in the San José area, two days before his concert.
Who interviewed Sizzla?
Docta Rythm Selecta, co-founder of The Aces Sound System and host of Di Docta Show, under the format of Reggae Family CR, a project by Luiz Dubs.
Where was the Sizzla concert in Costa Rica?
On Sunday, September 27, 2026 at the Nebula Center, produced by Free Productions Costa Rica.
Who is Sizzla Kalonji?
Jamaican singer born Miguel Orlando Collins, a reference in roots reggae and conscious dancehall, with more than 30 years of career and a GRAMMY nomination.