In his song Trouble Deh Deh, released early this year, Perfect Giddimani takes a few jabs at the “uptown dready” and “downtown clowns” he believes are watering down roots-reggae.

The Rastafarian singjay, best known for the 2004 hit song Hand Cart Boy, goes all-out roots on Ah Mi Yard, his first album in six years. It is co-produced by Andrew Moon Bain, Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred, and David Goldfine for the I Grade Records and Zion I Kings labels based in the United States Virgin Islands.

Although Ah Mi Yard is his 10th album, Perfect Giddimani told the Jamaica Observer‘s Splash that he is still learning the music business ropes.

“Looking back at my career there have been ups and downs; more down than ups. I had to push myself to continue to grow, even if that means learning a new job or skills. Reading and watching educational clips about the business side of music have also helped me to make better choices as an artiste,” he said.

Live My Life Again, Perfect Giddimani’s previous album, was released in 2017. Produced and released by Austrian company House Of Riddim, it contains hard-hitting songs such as Dollnald Trump and World Boss Selassie, as well as collaborations with Anthony B and Lutan Fyah.

Ah Mi Yard hears him working with producers who also have a preference for roots-reggae.

Alfred, who is from St Croix, is the principal of I Grade Records which has produced albums and songs by Midnite, Pressure, Jah9 and Glen Washington.

Perfect Giddimani says he recorded Ah Mi Yardin trying conditions.

“It was recorded during the (COVID-19) pandemic as the world stood still. During that period I was totally lost in deep introspection and self-reflection. I experienced a range of emotions, including gratitude, regret and determination. All my feelings were verbalised and recorded for this album. It was the only painkiller I had,” he stated.

The St Ann-born artiste, whose given name is Greg Rose, broke through 19 years ago with Hand Cart Boy, a rootsy ditty based on a young lady falling for a simple market pedlar. It was a sleeper hit and announced an act with vocal and songwriting skills.

He has never felt pressured to score hit singles.

“I did not know Hand Cart Boy would be a hit, as it was just one out of the many songs that I recorded during that time which grew tremendously,” said Perfect Giddimani. “My process has not changed when it comes on to recording consistently. It’s good to have a lot of fresh fruits in the basket. You never know which one may hit the market.”