Inside a packed theatre at Carib 5 in Kingston on Tuesday, guests were treated to an immersive musical journey as Grammy-nominated artiste Protoje hosted a preview for his forthcoming album, The Art of Acceptance.

The event transcended a typical listening session, blending music with cinema through a short film that showcased visuals for the 13-track project — set for release tomorrow. The film transported viewers to Ethiopia, where the majority of the footage was captured, reflecting a creative vision shared by the Grammy-nominated artiste and his directorial team Fernando Hevia and SAMO.

“Myself, SAMO and Fernando, we went to Ethiopia for a month — not just to film, but I wanted to spend some time in Ethiopia. Working on this album [and] having this deep connection [to the country], I wanted to go there and explore it some more,” Protoje told the audience before the premiere. “And within this, we were able to do some amazing visuals. After we looked at all these visuals, we were, like, we needed people to hear the album for the first time while seeing the visuals we had created.”

Bolstering the album are features from Shenseea, Masicka, Jesse Royal and Pressure Busspipe as well as multiple Grammy-winning reggae artistes Damian “Jr Gong” Marley and Stephen Marley. For Protoje, collaborating with the Marleys was a personal triumph, as both have been monumental influences since the earliest days of his career.

“They were distant mentors to me before I knew them, just by the standard that they set for me. They have, for a while, acknowledged [my work]. But to actually sit down and make music with them, it was a full-circle moment,” Protoje said to thunderous applause.

Photographer: Karl Mclarty

Music video director Jay Will shared the frame with event planner Tanya Tessoa (left) and Fareye Film Productions co-founder Tsehai Scott. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green was also in attendance. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Protoje (centre) highlighted the inspiration for the album as well as the visuals alongside his directorial team Fernando Hevia (left) and SAMO. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Spotted at the album listening event were Grammy-nominated reggae artiste Mortimer and his wife Tka McPherson. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

In full support for The Art of Acceptance listening experience were Protoje’s partner, creative director Lindsey Lodenquai and her daughter Yara.(Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Visual artist Shanelle Davis was captured alongside her artwork featured on the cover of The Art of Acceptance.(Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Recording artiste Joby Jay was among the notable guests out for Protoje’s immersive album listening experience.(Photo: Karl Mclarty)