SURINAME-BORN reggae singer Miriam Simone is optimistic with the recent release of the first single from her upcoming debut album Mount Zion.

The track, entitled Rivers, is produced by D ‘Decko’ Douglas and M ‘Marror’ Nijhove on the singer’s Dredda Records label.

Simone, who grew up in The Netherlands, says she hopes Rivers will inspire listeners to “show more love and respect for each other while valuing the beauty of Mother Earth”.

Simon said her career as a reggae artiste began on a visit to Jamaica in 2012 when she did the Bobby Digital-produced Disappointed.

“I got a lot of love from the people,” she said.

“I grew up in Amsterdam and was always surrounded by music — not just reggae. But reggae always had something special for me because of its positive messages,” she said.

She lists Morgan Heritage, Steel Pulse, Israel Vibration and Capleton as her sources of inspiration.

Simone acknowledges it will not be easy “getting her piece of the musical pie”. However, her music is enduring.

“Jah music is timeless so I can be current in all times,” she said.

Her album is slated for an autumn release date.

— Cecelia Campbell-Livingston