A large turnout of patrons, including well-wishers, media and music industry personnel gathered Tuesday in the Emerald Room at Eden Gardens Wellness Resort for the launch of Ras Haitrm’s album Go and Tell The World, which is distributed by VPAL Music.

The Mozambique artiste was surprised at the support he received.

“It was amazing, and we chose to do the launch in Jamaica because we felt the album is part of the Jamaican family. Give thanks to everyone for their support at the launch,” Ras Haitrm said in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

Drummer George Miller of the Firehouse Crew produced the 12-track set which features the song It’s Not for Long, a collaboration with Jahbar-I, Miller’s son.

Ras Haitrm recorded much of the album at Anchor Studios in Kingston with the Firehouse Crew.

“Reggae music is from Jamaica and everyone knows that. It’s the best place, in my point of view, to launch this album. The message we are bringing is peace, love and harmony,” he said.

Ras Haitrm explained the message behind Go and Tell The World.

“The way things are going on nowadays in the world, that’s really the inspiration. Things are not okay and we would like the world to become a better place. It’s up to each one of us to change the world and heal the world,” he said. “The album has different flavours — there’s a little bit of political statements, romantic songs, conscious music, as well as some dancehall.”

Growing up in Mozambique, Ras Haitrm remembers listening to songs by Peter Tosh and Bob Marley.

“Their messages resonated with me and from an early age I realised that music would play a dominant role in my life,” he shared.

Firehouse Crew stalwarts Donald Dennis on bass, guitarist Winston “Bopee” Bowen, keyboardists Paul Crossdale and Tony “Asha” Brissett, bassist Michael Fletcher and saxophonist Dean Fraser worked on Go and Tell the World.

Special Mind, Jah Before I, Bad Time, Bun Out, Wish I Could Be, and Do You Remember are other songs from the album.