Words by LargeUp Crew—
Marley’s Mellow Mood has come up with a new way to “free the people with music,” launching a weekly free music download series, co-curated by LargeUp, and dubbed Tune in Tuesdays. Each Tuesday, this link features a download of a new single from a different artist.
This week’s featured track is “Stronger” from Oje Ken Ollivierre, better known to dancehall and reggae fans as Protoje. The son of Jamaican singer Lorna Benett, Protoje has been on a steady rise for the last several years, culminating in his impressive debut album, Seven Year Itch, in 2011, and the release of his acclaimed recent single “Kingston be Wise.” A co-presenter of the Live from Kingston concert series, Protoje, who performs backed by the seven-piece band The Indiggnation, has also been a central figure in the live music revival currently sweeping Jamaica’s music scene. After two years at work with producer (and Protoje’s first cousin), Don Corleon, he is set to release his sophomore album, 8 Year Affair, later this year.
Sample/download “Stronger” below, and read on for a quick interview with Protoje.
Describe your sound in 20 words or less…
A mixture of the Roots-Reggae-Dub-Rock I grew up on, interpreted for the present time.
What role does your heritage play in your music?
It is the lifeline, the root. I always try to make sure to have some connection with the past. History has always been one of my favorite things to learn about.
What can we expect to hear from you in the next year?
With the release of my new album, The 8 Year Affair, I look forward to releasing a lot of fresh material with a new sound and spending time on the road spreading it.
Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write “Stronger”?
It was a song about a female being hurt before and being very timid about moving forward in another relationship.
What are your ultimate ambitions as an artist?
To be able to tour the world, help and inspire others, and spreading my music to the people.