Ambelique is hailing late bass guitarist Robbie Shakespeare as instrumental during the formative years of his career.

“I remember Robbie for his sense of humour, his genius [ideas], and his passion for our genre — reggae music. He actually taught me how to use my R&B and blues style to my advantage in reggae music,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

“It was like going to college for music. They believed in my ability to deliver a song in the style and mood that best suited the song and it gave me a lot of confidence,” the singer continued.

Shakespeare, who formed part of the iconic duo Sly and Robbie, died December 8, 2021 from kidney complications. He was 68.

Meanwhile, Ambelique, whose given name is Owen Silvera, is hoping to boost his presence on the local music scene with When You Love Someone featuring Hawkeye.

Produced by Taxi Records, the song was released in April.

When You Love Someone combines reggae and dancehall to create a high-energy and catchy dynamic sound, which has been resonating with listeners.

This is evident through the positive feedback so far, according to Ambelique, who has further high hopes for it.

“My hope for this track is to re-establish myself as a viable artiste in the business. I want to show the world that I’m still here and I’m still capable,” he added.

Sly and Robbie collaborated with Ambelique on the songs Quando Quando and Penny Lover. They also produced his first body of work, Ambelique Sings The Classics.

The artiste recently worked with Heavy Beats in Florida on several remixes, namely Never Found Me A Girl by Eddy Flored and Outside Looking In by Little Anthony and The Imperials. They were released in 2021.