BY KEVIN JACKSON—
ROOTS singer Jesse Royal previews his forthcoming debut album Lily of Da Valley with the release of the new single Generation.
The song, which features Jo Mersa Marley, was produced by Riff Raff.
In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, Jesse Royal explained how the collaboration with Marley came about.
“Well to be honest, myself, Daniel Bambaata, and Jo Mersa have been making music for a while now. Riff Raff and I had the idea for the track and, after we did the blueprint, we concluded that it needed a different perspective also. Hence, we linked Jo and he knocked it out,” said Jesse Royal.
He explained the concept and inspiration behind Generation.
“Generation was birthed from a reasoning about being tired of being ostracized for things that, in reality, only aim to help to develop the mindset and outlook of our youths, and that consciousness must be the new cool or we will always be taken for fools. It’s a takeover, not a protest,” said Jesse Royal.
Jesse Royal, who has been making a name for himself over the past three years, is known for tracks including Finally and the chart-topping Modern-Day Judas.
Now managed by Lukes Morgan of Ineffable Music Group, Jesse Royal is preparing to release Lily of Da Valley (Easy Star Records) on October 6.
Producers on the 14-track Lily of Da Valley include Phillip “Winta” James, Kareem Burrell, Riff Raff and Royal.
Royal spoke about working with Morgan, who is also the manager for Grammy-nominated reggae outfit Raging Fyah.
“Lukes and I have been working together for roughly three to four months and it’s been good because he has brought a sturdiness to the management team that was needed, and we also share the same perspectives in what the potential of reggae music is and what is necessary to develop brands. The fact that he is also a musician is good for me because he takes the time to overstand my creativity,” said Jesse Royal.
In November, Jesse Royal will commence the Lily of Da Valley tour with fellow recording artist and Billboard chart-topper Collie Buddz. The tour will hit the US west coast for 13 dates.
“Collie is a good friend of mine and it’s a long time in the making, so the time is right. We are going out there to make reggae proud and the masses joyful, as well as edutain them to wah gwaan,” said Royal.
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