Today on September 7th, Mr. Bongo and Easy Star Records, through licensing from In.Digg.Nation Collective and Overstand Entertainment, presents the new single from rising Jamaican reggae artist, Protoje.
Taken from his recently released critically acclaimed new album, ‘A Matter Of Time’, ‘Like This’ explores themes of love and relationship anxieties and blends traditional and contemporary reggae rhythms with Protoje’s sleek vocals.
Produced by Winta James, and described by Rolling Stone Magazine as “a melodic head-nod suite”, ‘Like This’ is a groovy crossover reggae love song and has recently been added to BBC Radio 1’s ‘Playlist’ – one of only two reggae tracks to feature in the last ten years – the other track being Protoje’s ‘Who Knows’ ft. Chronixx (2014).
Protoje says, “This song really talks about forgiveness and understanding as it pertains to our relationships…Understanding that we all go through the same things in some way. When I sing this song live on tour, everyone sings with me… I can see that it really connects with people.”
Protoje is a forefront figurehead of an exciting resurgence of conscious, organic music in Jamaica known as The Reggae Revival, but with over 13 million streams last year and over 156 million YouTube views, his popularity has transcended any particular genre.
This powerful songwriter and philosophical thinker articulates the righteous anger of an emerging generation and has rejuvenated the decaying art of socially responsible, mentally stimulating messages through witty wordplay
and poetic language.
New album ‘A Matter Of Time’ channels a wide array of styles and sounds from reggae, dancehall, dub, hip hop, and even to rock into a cohesive and original whole. It maintains the essence of Jamaican roots music, whilst pushing the envelope in multiple new directions. “It’s not as traditional as my last album, but it’s still authentic”, explains Protoje. “It’s more innovative, more global and more experimental. I want to elevate reggae culture and
the world’s perception of it”.
On ‘A Matter Of Time’ Protoje continues the fruitful creative partnerships with producer Winta James and fellow roots king Chronixx, both of which began on the 2014 smash single ‘Who Knows’.
Although referencing people and issues from home, including fellow musicians Peetah Morgan and Alkaline, first Jamaican prime minister Alexander Bustamante, assassinated political activist Walter Rodney and-state sanctioned violence against Rastas during the Coral Gardens incident, the record’s themes are easily relatable to all.
Politics, corruption, religion, pollution and inequality are all combated, but are balanced with positive assertions on childhood, education, family, keeping spirit alive and philosophies on living well. “I have no idea what you facing, but on some plane we all go through the same things, so I’m a send these thoughts to you with nothing but love,” he states on ‘Like This’.
Protoje’s visibility has increased steadily and highly. Named on BBC 1xtra’s ‘Hot for 2015’ list, he has since appeared on BBC 2’s ‘Later with Jools Holland’ recorded two sessions at BBC Radio 1’s Maida Vale and been play listed at Radio 1 and 1xtra.
He has sold out headline UK, US and European tours, and is a firm favourite at festivals throughout the world, performing at the likes of Glastonbury, Coachella and Afropunk. He is the first reggae act to be booked at Reading and Leeds in years, giving yet another indication of his cross cultural, universal appeal.