After casting himself as reggae’s soul man on his previous album, Ginjah plays the role of messenger on The Message Album, which was released in December by Black Metro Music.

The 10-song set is the dreadlocked singer’s ninth. It hears him taking a more sober line on songs like Message, Manners, Gospel Reggae, and Jah Jah Real.

Last year, Ginjah released three ballads — Don’t Let Go, Fall in Love, and These Arms. He told the Jamaica Observer that it was time to get back to basics.

“Reggae music is traditionally known as a message music, and so I’ve always been doing my best to keep up with that standard. Most of my songs are about my life because I’m a soulful, divine singer,” he said.

Songs for The Message Album were recorded in 2021, around the same time he was promoting Ginjah The Reggae Soul Man, his album for Natures Way Entertainment.

“The difference on this album, is the topics I’m singing about are more in-depth, on spirituality. Gospel reggae is about praising the Lord, it’s a divine song. Music is universal, so [there is] something on this album for everyone,” Ginjah explained.

Born in Hanover, the 44-year-old Ginjah (real name Valentine Nakrumah Fraser) grew up in rugged Central Village, on the outskirts of Spanish Town. At one stage, he was part of Beres Hammond’s Harmony House camp for which he did a number of songs including War in The City and Rise Above.

He also toured the United States, Europe and United Arab Emirates with Hammond.

While he has done well with songs with social themes, Ginjah’s biggest hit is arguably the lovers’ rock track Sweet Killer. It was featured on German company Silly Walks Discotheque’s popular Honey Pot rhythm that also yielded Smile Jamaica by Chronixx.