For most of his career, Richie Flo has worked with producers in Jamaica and Canada, where the singer has lived since 2011. He changed course for Bounce, his latest song, which was released in August.

Bounce is produced by Swoonshop, a producer from Germany who specialises in dancehall and reggaeton. Richie Flo told Observer Online that although they have never met, there was instant chemistry.

“It was different to work with someone that I haven’t met in person; it demonstrates the impact reggae and dancehall has worldwide. The producer reached out to me online after discovering my music. It wasn’t different from working with other producers, the only difference is that the creative process is not in the same location,” he said.

Germany has been a hot spot for roots-reggae for over four decades, with countless acts from that genre performing there. In recent years, dancehall music has gained a following there due to the popularity of acts like Beenie Man, Popcaan and Vybz Kartel.

Richie Flo, who hails from St Thomas, started his recording career in 2006. To date, he has released an EP and album, and has done live shows mainly in Ontario.

He hopes Bounce opens doors for him in a continent that has been traditionally receptive to Jamaican culture.

“I would love to break into the European market; however, the song Bounce has a worldwide appeal. I think the song will do great in the Latin market. I wrote it with some Spanish phrases, and the rhythm has a dancehall and reggaeton feel,” he said.

Great Men, Yard Man and Pilot (with Ghanaian artiste Major Steppa) are other songs Richie Flo has released in 2024.

– Howard Campbell