Reggae crooner Duane Stephenson steps into the spotlight with the release of his fourth studio album Weekend Dude.

Blending roots reggae and lovers’ rock, Stephenson engages listeners with original tracks and covers of classics from Slim Smith, The Wailers, Delroy Wilson, and Dolly Parton & Porter Wagoner.

“Weekend Dude shows that we are not taking ourselves too seriously. Everything today feels so heavy, and the last thing we want is to promote that. The song itself is about a man choosing happiness, even if only part-time, rather than living without it. It’s also the essence of someone just chilling and enjoying life in the moment,” the artiste explains.

The 14-track album, produced by award-winning producer Donovan Germain, highlights Stephenson’s signature vocals. Songs like Jacqueline, Blessed Are the Meek (from Slim Smith & Dave Barker), and Jah Jah Give Us Life (The Wailing Souls) shine, while the title track showcases his storytelling as he sings about seeing his love interest on the weekend.

The legends I pay tribute to are the bedrock of reggae,” he said. “Their work documents the journey of the Jamaican people, which reflects the struggles and triumphs of the world.”

The album features a select few collaborations. The gruff yet charismatic Josey Wales delivers on Dancehall Broom, while Exco Levi joins on That’s What She Loves — a modern ode to women who enjoy life’s finer things and the men willing to provide them.

Speaking on the project, Germain shared: “Duane is a pleasant, humorous, and professional artiste. Working on this album was a joyously rewarding experience.”

The album’s musicians include Mitcham “Khan” Chin, Lamont Savory, Garth “Duckie” Forester, Wade Johnson, Robby Lyn, Bowie McLaughlin, Kirk Bennett, and Jason Welch, among others.

“I felt it was time for a fresh start with a fresh sound. This album has been a long time coming,” shared Stephenson.