Reggae artiste Samory I is currently in Spain where is scheduled to perform at Rototom Sunsplash, one of the largest reggae festivals on the continent. This forms part of his European summer tour which sees the young artiste pushing his brand of reggae to audiences outside of Jamaica

The Jamaica Observer caught up with the 28-year-old in the UK where he was resting up before heading to Spain. He explained that despite battling a sore throat, this year’s tour season has been filled with “beautiful, great experiences”.

“The reception has just been great from these audiences… I need more shows. I am touring with my band Black Heart and this time it’s just been bigger platforms and larger audiences… just amazing. This year I am taking on some of the more established festivals. I just did Boomtown in the UK… that is one of the biggest festivals. I did Uppsala in Sweden, Sziget in Hungary, African Tage in Vienna,- Austria, and on a few occasions I had the pleasure of closing these events, so that is also a new experience for me which I am enjoying and give thanks,” said Samory I.

The artiste still cannot get accustomed to hearing an audience sing every line in his songs and described a recent club date in the UK where that happened.

“It’s hard to say any one thing on this tour stands out over another because all these things are really special in their own way; but at a club in Birmingham hearing the audience sing every word was mind-blowing.”

Still promoting the music, his album Black Gold, which was released in 2016, Samory I is also putting out new works. He explained that once he returns to Jamaica he will be releasing the new single Feelings on Black Dub label. He noted that he been testing the track on tour to great responses. The track is set to the same rhythm as the popular song Walk Away From Love, by Britain-based reggae act Bitty Mclean. As the tour winds down Samory I is looking forward to some well-needed rest before heading back to the recording and rehearsal studios to prepare both new music as well as sharpen his live act.

If there is one major lesson learned from the experience of this tour season is the need to stay in the best of health.

“Don’t get sick on tour. Since Boomtown I’ve been battling with sore throat and cold, but with the help of the Most High [I’ve] been able to deliver. Unity is strength. Just looking forward to taking this wonderful message to the Americas and the rest of the world,” he stressed.

— Richard Johnson