SAMORY I UNLEASHES NEW SINGLE & VIDEO
“KINGSTON HEAT” TODAY
(WATCH HERE | LISTEN HERE)
FROM HIS FORTHCOMING DELUXE DIGITAL EDITION OF HIS CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED ALBUM STRENGTH
OUT OCT 4 (PRE ORDER HERE)
Hailed “among the most compelling Jamaican voices of this generation” by Grammy.com and shining as the only reggae artist selected on Rolling Stone’s Best Albums list in 2023, Samory I made a mark in the genre with his refreshing sound and first full-length solo studio album Strength (Overstand Entertainment/Easy Star Records) last fall. Produced by Winta James, and featuring guest appearances by Lila Ike, Kabaka Pyramid, Capleton, Jesse Royal, and Mortimer, this record set a new standard for modern roots reggae.
Today, Samory releases his brand new single and video “Kingston Heat” (get HERE) and announces his deluxe album for Strength, out Oct 4, 2024 (pre-order HERE).
Watch Samory I’s “Kingston Heat” video, directed by Pete Beng, HERE.
Set in a tree-top suite, the video shows Samory I and his love interest escaping Kingston’s heat—she cools off with a fan while he’s torn between his music and his affection for her. Samory I’s emotive performance shines through the track, produced by Winta James, which blends classic dub and ska elements with its deep bassline.
“Work and time spent can be an issue when it comes to love and relationships, especially if one wants time and attention. ‘Kingston Heat’ speaks about the struggles of an ambitious person when they are in love,” Samory I states.
In addition to “Kingston Heat,” the deluxe edition will contain two more unreleased tracks, including a beautiful rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “You Will Know” and “Clouds.” Each new track will feature an exclusive dub version mixed by Tippy I Grade of Zion I Kings (who recently produced Protoje’s In Search Of Zion). This adds another magical moment to his landmark album. For those who have yet to experience Samory I’s acclaimed record, this is a perfect way to dig in for the first time.
Additional praise for the LP included Best Album Of The Year voted by fans in Germany’s RIDDIM magazine (along with Producer Of The Year for Winta James for this album), prime playlisting on Bob Marley Tuff Gong Radio to Radio Nova (France) and Song Of The Day features on KEXP and Ebro Darden’s Apple Music show.
Samory I spoke on the album’s original concept and said Strength “represents the struggles I’ve overcome, both mentally and physically.” He adds that “this deluxe album is an extension of the songs me and Winta James wrote and recorded when I was in a period of depression. This album uplifted me and took me out of a very dark place as well as brought me to be aware of myself and others.” Growing up in Kencot, a rougher neighborhood in Kingston, Jamaica, he faced many adversities and found reggae music as a form of salvation. He used his voice as both an instrument and vehicle for social change in his community. The album is a true reflection of its title, proving that courage and love prevails above all.
SAMORY I
Samory I’s voice has been described as unique, ethereal, and eerie, and instantly evokes a wide range of emotions. An artist both in tune with the contemporary and appreciative of the classic, his impassioned vocals often carry exalting messages with a spirit of rebellion. He was named after Samory Touré, a successful African ruler who fought against European colonization in the 19th century. Like his namesake, Samory I is a voice for the voiceless with messages of hope, pain, resilience, and love for the people. Samory I plants his feet firmly, grounded and confident, in a new era of roots reggae music where boundaries are limitless. His lyrical consciousness and distinct emotive vocals are resonating with fans across the globe. Samory’s career has been on the rise. Following his rich opus of conscious Rastafarian declarations on Black Gold (2017) and its breakthrough single “Rasta Nuh Gangsta” (with over 10 million views on YouTube and 6 million streams on Spotify), Samory I has landed features on two GRAMMY-nominated reggae albums: Jesse Royal’s Royal (2021) for their collaboration “High Tide or Low,” and Protoje’s album Third Time’s The Charm (2022) for the closing track “Heavy Load.” In 2022, Samory I released “Life Is Amazing” featuring dancehall star Chi Ching Ching, and “Love and Mercy” off the Gratitude Riddim compilation (produced by GRAMMY-nominated Winta James), which became one of his most streamed tracks to date. Since then, Samory I has continued to work with James, and released their compilation of work on Samory I’s album Strength (out Nov. 17, 2023).
