Jamaican-born reggae singer Steele, who is based in Canada, makes a return to the Canadian Reggae chart with the thought-provoking Pick Up The Pieces, which currently holds down the #3 spot.

Pick Up The Pieces, according to Steele, is inspired by a past relationship.

“Well, I grew up in an era where most relationships were long-term, meaning more people were willing to fight through issues and stay together. It seems like nowadays that is not the norm; it is all about self-pride. Couples are so easily willing to end a relationship over situations that are truly solvable. My inspiration came from knowing that no one is perfect and that better is not necessarily waiting for you on the other side,” Steele told the Jamaica Observer’s Splash on Wednesday.

Steele added: “I’m not perfect. Do you know how many times mi bawl fi save my relationship? Men, especially, talk big all di time until they realise that they are about to lose someone that is uniquely special. I have been there, so I know how important and vital it is to try and keep a family structure together.”

Steele, who is originally from Lucea, Hanover, began his music career in Jamaica before relocating to Canada more than two decades ago to be with his girlfriend who was pregnant at the time. He has since carved out a niche, releasing mostly songs that tackle matters of the heart as well as social issues.

He said his focus on matters of the heart isn’t necessarily strategic, but it’s what he relates to the most.

“As an artiste your fans are drawn to you through your words, sound, and power. I really don’t write or sing about things I have little or no knowledge of. For example, I can’t sing about smoking anything and getting high because I’ve never smoked. I’m also not a drinker so being drunk is not my thing. I also can’t really sing about ghetto life and ghetto living because that’s not my true experience… [E]ven though I was far from being rich, because I lived in a board house and used outside bathroom and toilet, but still I had food on the table plus light and water in the house. I can’t be a hypocrite, I have to be true, so matters of the heart are what I can relate to the most,” he reasoned.

Steele honed his musical chops singing with the choir at Lucea Christian Fellowship Church and later while attending high school.

“The journey actually started for me in Jamaica. From singing on my church choir at to then later attending Rusea’s High, where my friends started to hear my talent, then I moved onto Herbert Morrison Comprehensive High when I started to take it more seriously by joining the school band. Later my first recording was produced by Tristan Palmer at Tuff Gong studio in Kingston, this after I finished my studies at Humber College in Montego Bay and deciding to move to Kingston to pursue music professionally,” said Steele.

Since he has relocated to Canada, his music has been received by the reggae community there. He was even nominated for a JUNO Award in the Reggae Recording of the Year category in 2015.

“My journey has been a good one, I cannot be ungrateful. Even though in this business as artiste we all strive for global recognition, it does not always happen that way. I have learnt to be thankful for my piece of the pie. My fans have embraced my music and it shows when I’m called upon repeatedly to perform at these events,” he said.

He spoke about the recognition that he received after he was nominated for a JUNO.

“Well, to be completely honest, I first of all always wondered how comes I didn’t win. I guess every artiste wonders that. But ultimately it signified that I should remain consistent with putting out good quality material and just keep working hard on my craft. Contrary to what some people say, the JUNO does have its benefits to an artiste. I know this because I have personally benefited. Does it mean your career is over, or does your career in music makes less of an impact if you don’t win a JUNO, then I’d say no, but it is still the nationally recognised award for an artiste in Canada, so if you know how to benefit from that then it’s always going to be a good source,” Steele shared.

The highlight of his career, though, has been the People’s Choice Award by the Jamaica Day Festival in Toronto.

“It really stood out because I saw the positive reaction of the crowd and to me; that meant I was doing something positive,” he said.

To date, Steele has released six full length studio albums: Uncorrupted, The Love of Jah, The Man, The Music, Reality, Your Attention Please, and Just Breathe, which was released three years ago.