AFTER the final notes of the Nyahbinghi-inspired Diversity, Alborosie called time on rehearsals at Grizzly’s complex last Monday.
The Italian singer is preparing to hit the road in support of his 10th album, Freedom & Fyah, which will be released digitally today by VP Records.
It is out on compact disc on June 3 and in vinyl form in July.
The dreadlocked Alborosie, 38, described Freedom & Fyah as his most ‘uniformed’ album to date.
Unlike his previous albums which were self-produced, he shares production credits this time around with Winter James on Carry On; and his compatriots Madasky and Waw on Fly 420 and Judgement, respectively. There are also collaborations with Ky-Mani Marley on the lead single, Life To Me, and Protoje on Strolling.
Typically, the biggest part of Alborosie’s promotional campaign for a new album is touring. He is booked for seven dates in South America (Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Chile and Peru) over the next 10 days.
He and his band then move on to Europe where they do 45 shows, many of them the leading festivals.
Touring has helped make Alborosie one of the most popular reggae acts in the world, in the mould of The Wailers, Burning Spear and Culture.
“It’s still the best way for fans to hear the new songs an’ see you. After all these years, I still love to tour,” he said.
Born Alberto D’Ascola in Sicily, Alborosie first came to Jamaica in 1993. After several visits, he settled here permanently in 2000 and recorded his first song, a cover of the Wailers’ Burning and Looting with Marley.
Songs like Kingston Town, Jah Jah Blessing (with Etana) and Herbalist have won him fans throughout Europe, South America, Australia and the United States West Coast.
His first album, Soul Pirate, was released in 2008.
You must log in to post a comment.