Samory I – Strength, deluxe edition (Overstand Entertainment and Easy Star Records, 2024)
The wickedly talented, rising reggae artist Samory I has released the deluxe edition of his powerful roots reggae album Strength, originally launched on November 17, 2023. Produced by Grammy-nominated Winta James, Strength was the only reggae album to make it onto Rolling Stone’s Best Albums list for 2023.
The deluxe edition includes three new tracks, each accompanied by a dub version straight from the mystical hands of Tippy I Grade of Zion I Kings. The lead single, “Kingston Heat,” explores the tug-of-war between ambition and love.
“Clouds” comes through as a reminder not to mistake a relaxed attitude for complacency. The edition concludes with a moving rendition of Stevie Wonder’s classic “You Will Know,” bringing that soul energy into the depths of reggae riddims.
Born and raised in Kencot, a challenging neighborhood in Kingston, Jamaica, Samory I turned to reggae as a form of expression and a tool for social change. His sound fuses classic roots with contemporary elements, offering messages of hope, resilience, and love. Named after 19th-century African ruler Samory Touré, the artist continues to be a voice for the voiceless in modern roots reggae.
Samory I’s career took off with Black Gold (2017), a collaboration with producer Rory “Stonelove” Gilligan. The album’s hit single, “Rasta Nuh Gangsta,” has garnered over 10 million views on YouTube. His contributions extend to Grammy-nominated reggae projects, including Jesse Royal’s Royal (2021) and Protoje’s Third Time’s The Charm (2022). In 2022, he released notable tracks like “Life Is Amazing” featuring Chi Ching Ching, and “Love and Mercy,” from the Gratitude Riddim compilation produced by Winta James.
Samory I shared, “Strength represents the struggles I’ve overcome, both mentally and physically. This deluxe album is an extension of the songs Winta James and I wrote during a period of depression. It uplifted me and brought awareness to my experiences and those of others.”
Author: Dymond
