A global music project paying homage to Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage is set to launch its full soundtrack. Dubbed the Versions Hub, the project is a digital archive preserving the stories, music, and wisdom imparted through the island’s cultural legacy.

“Versions is a love letter to Jamaica – honoring the resilience, creativity, and impact of our elders and ancestors while passing that legacy to the next generation and the world at large,” D’Ari Lisle, co-founder of project organisers Darkspark, said in a release. “This project is a tribute to that legacy, a testament to how music can be a tool for empowerment, a voice for the unheard, and a catalyst for social justice.”

Created by Darkspark, a Canada-based non-profit dedicated to harnessing the power of music for social change, Versions was recently honored with an Anthem Award in 2024 by the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences (The Webbys) for its contributions to arts and education. Versions stands as a celebration of Jamaica’s influence on global music and its powerful tradition of using song to uplift and empower communities.

The project brought together 27 emerging youth artists from around the world – including four from Jamaica – for a year-long fellowship, offering mentorship, wellness support, and leadership training. Inspired by Jamaica’s versioning and juggling traditions (where artists create unique songs over the same shared riddims to showcase diverse voices and perspectives), participants collaborated with thought leaders, celebrity mentors, and top-tier producers to craft powerful music as well as design and deliver community impact projects.

Guided by a network of musical and cultural leaders, select youth artists explored how they could leverage their art and platforms for social impact. Drawing inspiration from artist mentors Sean Paul, Lila Ike, Chronixx and Mutabaruka; and the wisdom of Dr Carolyn Cooper, Mikie Bennett, and Uncle Ronnie of 8 Mile Sound, the emerging artists reimagined the Jamaican tradition of versioning. With music production from JLL and The Wixard, they crafted original songs over shared rhythms, breathing new life into a practice that has empowered voices for generations.

The project’s deep Jamaican roots were strengthened by the invaluable work of Artiste and Community Engagement and Content Producer Kareece Lawrence, plus child justice leader Heather Gallimore, whose consultation and guidance ensured the best fitting and nurturing space for the participants. With additional support from icons Sharon Burke and Team Shaggy, Gabre Selassie of Kingston Dub Club, visits to Skyline Levels (Jacks Hill) and Rasta City (in Tivoli Gardens), Versions is not only an artistic endeavor, but a movement.

“I feel blessed to be a part of this project that amplifies youth voices and celebrates Jamaica’s cultural wealth and diversity. Youth capacity and Community building both play a vital role in nation-building, so for me to lend my talents and skills plus share my network, as my contribution to this project, is a natural alignment. One of the biggest takeaways for me is how everyone who has collaborated and participated in Versions, is now a part of a global community [or family as I love to say] of creatives,” said Lawrence

Versions is the brainchild of Lisle and Mel Larkin. As co-founders of Darkspark, the duo has garnered global recognition for their approach to merging art and social impact. Their past work earned praise from President Obama and an award for intercultural innovation from the UN. The final music soundtrack will be released on all streaming platforms on February 27, 2025.