UPON relocating from Italy to Jamaica more than 10 years ago, Italian reggae singer Alborosie knew he wanted to be where the roots of reggae music began. Since then he has collaborated with several Jamaican acts.

His most recent album, Unbreakable: Alborosie Meets the Wailers United, upholds the tradition of roots-rock-reggae while honouring traditional reggae sounds. It was released on June 29.

Alborosie explained the significance of the album which sees him working alongside The Wailers United (former members of Bob Marley and the Wailers, along with Aston Barrett Jr).

“It’s a conclusion of a study. I studied reggae and worked with almost everybody inna the reggae industry that I can now get my diploma,” Alborosie told the Jamaica Observer‘s weekly Splash.

The reggae singer explained how he has evolved since his last studio release, Freedom in Dub, in 2017.

“Every album is a different experience. There is always an evolution because you learn every day; they are just different types of works with a different vibe and expectations,” he said.

Unbreakable: Alborosie Meets The Wailers United, released by VP Music Group, has so far peaked at number six on the Billboard Reggae Album chart. It currently holds the number 12 position on the chart and has sold 725 copies to date.

It became Alborosie’s seventh charting title. His best showing on the chart is Freedom & Fyah, which peaked at number two in 2016.

Unbreakable: Alborosie Meets the Wailers United has 14 tracks, including The Unforgiven, a remake of the Metallica classic featuring Raging Fyah; Unbreakable, featuring J Boog; Mystical Reggae, featuring Jah Cure; Too Rock, featuring Beres Hammond; and Contradiction, featuring Chronixx.

“Alborosie continues to expand his creative vision. This album looks to be his best yet and we are very excited about it,” Christopher Chin, CEO of VP Records, told Splash.

Alborosie spoke about the work that went into the project.

“A lot of work went into the album. Many hours and sacrifices. I did over many tracks with many takes, and it took me almost two years to complete the work. This was mainly because I work alone and I have to do it in between family duties,” he said.

The album features mostly production work from Alborosie, Maximum Sound, and Aston Barrett Jr.

“This is my first project that involves many people, from the musicians to the writers and singers,” he added.

Born Alberto D’Ascola, he is from Sicily. He is best known for hits including Kingston Town, Jah Jah Blessing (with Etana) and Call Up Jah.

Alborosie is currently in the middle of a two-month tour of Europe, to be followed by a tour of the United States which wraps on August 26.