Singer-musician Cen’C Love returns to the music scene with the release of Habibi, a sensuous song she produced for Elephant, her upcoming EP.

She told the Jamaica Observer that the single is inspired by celestial relationships.

“Habibi is about fantasy lovers, a longing for physical connection. I have found myself in those kind of relationships [with] very strong feelings that surpass the idea of being physical,” said Cen’C Love. “It can be a virtual computer love connection, a long distance relationship, where we share a spiritual or mental connection, even a crush.”

It is the lead song from Elephant, which is earmarked for release in early October. She wrote and produced all its songs, as well as played keyboards, guitar, and percussion.

While maintaining a low profile in the last five years, she has been active musically. Still, it is her first solo song for some time.

She recently teamed with drummer-singer Paul Kastick on Is This Love, originally done by rock band Whitesnake.

Cen’C Love has worked as a producer with Capleton, Sizzla, Richie Spice, Cocoa Tea, and Warrior King. The most special of those projects, however, was with her father, reggae legend Bunny Wailer, who died in 2021.

Although he gave her solid advice about the music business, Cen’C Love says being the child of a global icon is not easy.

“There is some pressure that comes with being Bunny Wailer’s daughter. Mostly, people assuming that I’m a ‘nepo baby’, but it’s not what people think. I have definitely benefited in some ways, but I’ve still had to go through the rounds,” she explained. “I think it hurts me in some ways, too, because people assume I have all these connections and resources, but I really have to put in the work. Not at all a ‘gold spoon’ situation.”

Born in the United States, Cen’C Love followed her father’s path into music 20 years ago and has recorded a number of songs, including What About Love and These Lies.

Elephant is her second EP, coming 17 years after A Little More Time, her first.

Love Letter, Cen’C Love’s sole album, was released in 2011.

— Howard Campbell