Protoje

Protoje has established himself as a GRAMMY-nominated reggae artist, blending traditional reggae sounds with elements of hip-hop, soul, and jazz. After gaining initial attention with his 2005 mixtape, ‘Lyrical Overdose Volume 1,’ which blended hip-hop influences with reggae and dancehall, Protoje went on to establish himself as a GRAMMY-nominated reggae artist. His early career saw him collaborate with producer Don Corleon in 2010, an imprint which led to singles such as ‘Dread,’ ‘JA,’ and ‘Roll’ that same year. Protoje’s debut album, ‘The Seven Year Itch,’ launched on January 25, 2011, building on the initial recognition in Jamaica from his 2009 single ‘Arguments.’ The album further featured the 2011 track ‘Rasta Love’ alongside Ky-Mani Marley, solidifying his unique sound.

Protoje continued his momentum with his second album, ‘The 8 Year Affair,’ released on February 12, 2013. This project included notable singles like ‘Who Dem a Program’ (2012), ‘This Is Not a Marijuana Song’ (mid-2012), and the highly impactful ‘Kingston Be Wise’ (2012). ‘Kingston Be Wise’ achieved significant traction, becoming the most viewed YouTube link among Jamaican internet users on its November 5, 2012, release day. The track garnered further international exposure when it was featured in the critically acclaimed video game ‘Grand Theft Auto V’ on the in-game ‘Blue Ark’ radio station in 2013, following his inclusion on BBC Radio 1Xtra’s ‘Hot for 2015’ list in 2014.

‘Third Time’s The Charm’ further distinguished Protoje by securing him another Grammy Nomination in 2022. Continuing his prolific output, he released the album ‘In Search of Zion’ in 2023. Most recently, Protoje delivered ‘The Jamaican Situation (A Soundtrack, Side A)’ in 2024, showcasing his ongoing evolution and commitment to his artistry.