TO mark Jamaica’s Independence Day, the cinematic music video for Born In Jamaica, the first single from industry trailblazer Natalie Prospere’s compilation album Friends Only: Volume 1 was released this Independence Day.

The track brings together Grammy-nominated roots-reggae artiste Jesse Royal, genre-blending emerging artiste MediSun, and reggae legend Beres Hammond.

The song is produced by one of Jamaica’s most sought after young producers, JLL.

The video, shot on location in Jamaica, is the first one co-directed by Paris Hines and Keaton Greene — two emerging creatives in film with a shared passion for striking, emotionally-driven visuals. The combination of Hines’ sharp creative direction and Greene’s refined visual sensibility results in a bold and balanced collaboration that brings depth and texture to every frame.

Enhancing the visual narrative, acclaimed film-maker and photographer Khalik Allah contributed additional footage from his celebrated film Black Mother. The integration of this archival material added a powerful layer of spiritual and cultural depth.

The video is also a treat for fans of Beres Hammond. Known for his soulful delivery and rare video appearances, his presence lends a timeless authenticity.

The Born In Jamaica music video is truly a love letter to Jamaica: The boat scene from the video was filmed in Port Royal, a recently named UNESCO World Heritage Site; and the Jamaica Tourist Board, recognising the video’s cultural significance, collaborated on the project.

“Born in Jamaica is a great reminder of Jamaica’s impact on the world to others but also a reminder to Jamaicans that we provide a vibe that can’t be denied! From music to food to fashion to culture, Jamaica is a little dot on the map with an incredibly huge impact. This song is the second national anthem!” said an enthusiastic Jesse Royal.

MediSun added: “Jamaica is a symbol of rebellion, creativity, and spiritual power. To embody the beacon of light that Rastafari culture provides globally, with the blessing of the living legend [Beres Hammond], is truly an homage to our ancestry. Co-creating the moment with my sister and some of my most respected peers makes it even more magical.”

Meanwhile, Natalie Prospere says she is proud of the project.

“As a proud descendant of Jamaica this moment is honestly a dream come true. Beres Hammond has been the soundtrack to my life since I was born. To be able to release this song and video with him, an anthem of Jamaican pride, is an absolute honour. I am eternally thankful to Jesse Royal, my brother MediSun, and everyone involved in making this a reality,” she said.

Co-Director Paris Hines also shared: “This will be a moment and visual that I’ll always cherish in my heart for so many reasons, and I’m thankful to Khalik Allah for being a part of this. I’m grateful to be a part of a record that is truly timeless — and to have the opportunity to create with people I admire and respect in music and film is truly a blessing.”

“Creating this record at the Friends Only camp was a transformative experience — bringing together legendary artistes, talented musicians, and a shared passion for storytelling. It’s more than a song; it’s a tribute to our roots and a voice for our journey forward,” added producer JLL.

Beres Hammond.