At the start of 2020, soulful reggae artiste Mortimer was poised for his big break. His single Lightning was striking everywhere. And, by the end of February, he had copped the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) awards for Breakthrough Artiste of the Year and Lightning was voted Song of the Year for 2019.

Then came COVID-19.

Within weeks of his JaRIA win, the first case of COVID was diagnosed in Jamaica and by mid-March the world was thrust into a pandemic and all Mortimer’s plans for tours and promotions in the months ahead came crashing down.

“I was disappointed,” the soft-spoken, dreadlocked singer told the Jamaica Observer during a telephone interview.

“I was preparing to go on tour to Europe that summer, the bookings were coming in and then one by one they began to fall through. I had to shake that disappointment and quickly realise that this was happening to everybody, so why should I expect to be pandemic free,” he continued.

Mortimer shared that the pandemic has given him time to get right with himself, delve deeper into his writing and his music. The results of that pivot and reset will be seen in a few weeks when he drops his new album, produced by his management team, which includes producer Winta James and Manager Claire Ossman.

“We have used the past two years to write and voice this album. We voice everything already and we just finishing up right now. Can’t wait to test it out on the road. I have put my heart and soul into these songs as always… just keeping it honest. I never just write for write sake. My music should provide a shoulder to lean on, make you smile if you haven’t smiled all day and provide some upliftment… that’s the aim. It’s a little piece of me, raw honesty, sharing personal stories of my life and relationships,” said Mortimer.

Shying away from sharing the album’s release date or its title, Mortimer was only willing to say that the lead single, Whole Heap a Tings, will precede the album which will contain 12 to 13 tracks.

He admitted that there have been times when he has become nervous at the pressure of coming up with a follow-up to Lightning, but noted that he has made peace with that work and moved on.

“Lightning was, is and continues to be a blessing in my life. When I get reactions from persons in the street I appreciate it. However, I can’t promise anyone another Lightning. What I can do is put as much heart and soul into the rest of my music as I did with Lightning and hope it resonates with the people. Initially, I did get nervous and kept asking myself: ‘Can I do another song as good?’ I realise I just have to stay on my path. I am not a printing press to keep duplicating songs. This is art. I have completed that song; it is there and now I just do another based on the unique experiences by which it is inspired.”

With another two months, Mortimer and his team depart for the slate of summer reggae festivals in Europe. So far, he is confirmed for the Hill Vibes Festival in Austria on July 26; Uppsala Reggae Festival in Sweden on July 30; Reggae Jam Festival in Germany on July 31; Role Fabrik in Switzerland on August 1; Paradiso in the Netherlands on August 4; Reggae Geel in Belgium on August 5, and Reggae Jam UK Festival in London on August 6.

Mortimer extended his gratitude to all the persons who kept him going during these past two years, including his team and reggae fans worldwide, and is anxious to reconnect with his fans physically after two years.

“When I perform, I leave my heart on the stage, so for the fans and patrons who experience a live show I want them to leave with something good. If I could bless one person, evoke some sort of positive emotion or sensation then I am grateful, I’m good,” he noted.