Multidisciplinary artiste Sophia Dias arrives in Jamaica on Monday to finalise her second studio album, Bullet-Proof 2: Legacy, at the famed Tuff Gong Studios.

Dias’ four-day trip will allow her to deepen her relationship with the island and its musicians while highlighting her strong connection to Jamaica’s dynamic musical culture at the iconic recording studio established by reggae legend Bob Marley, according to a press release from the artiste’s handlers.

Dias, whose career spans fashion design, culinary arts, literature, and music, attributes her return to Tuff Gong Studios to the relationship with her team and prestigious legacy of the studio.

“There’s a perfect synergy with the team I’m working with. Everybody brings out the best in each other. There’s also the ‘prestige’ element attached to Tuff Gong, primarily because of the iconic man who built it. I feel his energy tremendously while working in the studio,” she said.

Recording for Bullet-Proof 2: Legacy began in January of this year and marks a significant evolution from her debut album, also recorded at Tuff Gong.

This new body of work reflects the influence of Jamaica’s foundational music combined with her own unique style, which marries the delivery of spoken word with the cadence of earlier reggae or dancehall songs – like dub poetry with a world-music flair, the release stated.

“I enjoy the country’s dominant music, mostly mento, ska, and the fusion emerging through reggae,” Dias explained.

A stellar group of local musicians, including Lamont Savoury (Monty), Dean Fraser, Kirk Bennett, Michael Fletcher, Okiel McIntyre, and Hector ‘Roots’ Lewis join her on the project. These collaborations, particularly with Dean Fraser, have profoundly impacted her music, she said.

“Working with Dean Fraser was a magical experience. I call him the ‘Angel’ on the saxophone,” she shared.

The release further added that the new album explores deeply personal and varied themes with songs on love, resilience, and social issues. Dias’ music usually reflects her resilience in overcoming personal hardships, including domestic violence, however, she emphasises that her past does not define her.

Dias’ affinity for the Caribbean, particularly Jamaica, is evident in her creative process. Her second album, BulletProof 2: Legacy promises to showcase her artistic evolution and profound connection to the Caribbean.

“I will always incorporate Jamaica and the Caribbean in my music and movie projects. The people of Jamaica have been kind, warm, and have welcomed me here with love,” she said.

The album visuals, shot in Trinidad and Tobago, further incorporate Caribbean influences and were created in partnership with seasoned filmmakers Walt Lovelace and Marc Sardinha.

Beyond music, Dias is a passionate advocate for various causes, including domestic violence prevention and education for young girls. During her time in Jamaica, she also plans to volunteer at the Women’s Centre in Kingston, emphasising the importance of education in preventing child and adolescent pregnancies.