2025, March 2025, Reggae
Likkle Mai
Mar
Former female vocalist of DUB band DRY & HEAVY released four albums, including a dub album mixed by KING JAMMY, and has become one of the leading dub bands in Japan. In 2005, she left DRY & HEAVY and went solo, releasing 4 albums: ROOTS CANDY (2006), M W (2007), Mairation (2009), and DUB IS THE UNIVERSE (2010). Her activities with guitarist The K as part of the two-piece unit Likkle Mai & The K have been domestic and international. They have been highly acclaimed in Hawaii, where they have successfully toured seven times.
In December 2014, they released the mini-album Kitaguni no Haru; in February 2018, V-I-C-T-O-R-Y was pre-released on a 7-inch vinyl EP and sold well. The mini-album Rise Up was released in July of the same year. In January 2022, Net Yokocho and Hikikomori no Hikikomogomo were released as 7-inch vinyl singles. They became the talk of the town along with the music video Net Yokocho.
In October, Likkle Mai participated on the album DUB NO FRONTIERS, produced by UK DUB legend Adrian Sherwood. In May 2024, the song GAZA was released for distribution, opposing the massacre by the Israeli army and hoping for freedom and peace in Palestine. In January 2025, I Like You, a single collaboration with the Jazz and Soul-based instrumental band Un Son, will be released on a 7-inch vinyl EP in advance. Since 2017, She has also been a member of the backing chorus of the rock band SOUL FLOWER UNION. She is a cultural ambassador of Iwate, a town of great expectatio
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Likkle Mai Interview
IRIE. Take us back to your roots. How did you first get introduced to dub reggae music?
It all started when I found Bob Marley’s “Live” album in a record store. I was drawn to its charm, which was completely different from the ’60s rock that I had enjoyed listening to up until then.
IRIE. When did you know that you wanted to be a singer?
LIKKLE MAI. In kindergarten, I would climb on the table and imitate Japanese singers. I didn’t aim to become a singer until I was 19 when I met some reggae friends.
IRIE. Who were some of your musical influences that helped you refine your voice as a singer?
LIKKLE MAI. I love Horace Andy’s voice and expression; he greatly influenced me in the early days of my career. I always sang Bob Marley or Horace Andy songs when I sang cover songs in reggae clubs.
IRIE. How did you get the stage name Likkle Mai?
LIKKLE MAI. In the past, singers used stage names that described their body type—for example, Fats Domino or Little Richard. There were many singers with stage names like that in Jamaica. In Jamaica, little is pronounced as likkle in patois. That’s why, because I’m small, I started calling myself Likkle Mai.
IRIE. How did you become involved as the vocalist in the band DRY & HEAVY?
LIKKLE MAI. The bassist, Akimoto “Heavy” Takeshi, was the one who gathered the members of Dry & Heavy. He would often appear at reggae clubs and studios looking for suitable people to be members of Dry & Heavy. I met Akimoto at a live house, and he called me to the studio soon after. The members were there, including The K.
IRIE. After four albums with DRY & HEAVY, you pursued a solo career with guitarist The K as the two-piece unit, Likkle Mai & The K. How did you meet to form your duo?
LIKKLE MAI. Yes, this overlaps with the previous question, but I first met The K at the studio that Akimoto put together.
IRIE. Together, you and The K released four albums. Did you two share in the creative process when creating new music, or did you each have key roles?
LIKKLE MAI. I am in charge of the lyrics, composition, and concept of the album. The K is in charge of many processes required to complete the work, such as rhythm tracks, guitar and bass performances, arranging, and mixing. He is a fantastic musician of world-class standards.
IRIE. What’s been the most difficult part of your journey in music? Were there any challenges or obstacles you faced while establishing your music career?
LIKKLE MAI. It’s been an arduous journey, haha. We run an independent label without a staff, so I handle all tasks except music. There are times when there’s so much to do that it’s exhausting, but I can keep going thanks to the support of those around me and because I love what I do. For me, difficulties come when I forget to be grateful to those around me.
IRIE. You are currently performing with the rock band SOUL FLOWER UNION. How did you become a member of their backing chorus?
LIKKLE MAI. My first experience with Soul Flower Union was performing together on stage at Earth Day in 2011, the year of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
After that, Likkle Mai & The K made several guest appearances at their shows.
When the female chorus quit SFU, they were looking for a replacement, and that’s when they asked me to join in 2016. After a one-year trial period, I became a full-time chorus member in 2017.
IRIE. Is there a song from your discography that resonates with you most? If so, why?
LIKKLE MAI. The song “Kitaguni no Haru” is loved by many people beyond the boundaries of reggae.
It is a song that vividly depicts the days in my hometown, which was hit by a massive tsunami during the Great East Japan Earthquake.
It expresses the perseverance and dedication of the people of Kitaguni and has received particularly strong reactions from listeners.
Dry & Heavy’s songs are Love Explosion and Bright Shining Star.
Their honest lyrics and simple expressions are loved both in Japan and overseas.
IRIE. What’s in store for Likkle Mai in 2025?
LIKKLE MAI. A lot of live shows and a lot of recordings!
IRIE. What do you hope first-time listeners take with them from listening to Likkle Mai?
LIKKLE MAI. I’m not an enemy; I’m an ally, and that’s the kind of person I am.
IRIE. Is there anything you want to share with the IRIE Magazine audience?
LIKKLE MAI. No Hate, No Racism, No War, Just One Love.
…And so the journey to meet you continue
IRIE. Maaaad Love and Respect, Likkle Mai! We’re coming back to Japan this year to watch you perform!
Website:
Instagram.com/likklemai
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