Honorebel called on some famous friends for Winner Circle, his 14th album, which is scheduled for release on September 4.

Big Mountain, Etana, Nyanda (of Brick and Lace) and Glen Washington are some of the collaborators on the reggae project.

After years of dabbling with pop, hip hop and EDM, Honorebel went back to basics for Winner Circle, which he produced for his Phantom Music Group. It will be released two years after Energy Surge, his previous album.

He looked for a key ingredient when selecting the artistes to work with.

“I focused on authenticity over hype. I chose collaborators who genuinely respect reggae and could contribute meaningfully to each record,” said Honorebel. “The chemistry had to be real, and every feature came together naturally through mutual respect and a shared vision for timeless music.”

Forever Yours, the track with Big Mountain, is one of Winner Circle’s pre-released songs. Honorebel worked with the San Diego, California-based band on If I Only I Knew, a 2021 song produced by their drummer, Paul Kastick. Two years later, he performed with them at Rebel Salute in St Ann.

Over the years, the South Florida-based Honorebel has recorded diverse songs which earned him a following in Africa and Europe. Now You See It (Shake That Ass), his collaboration with Cuban rapper Pitbull and house music trio Jump Smokers, entered the Billboard Magazine dance charts in 2010.

Winner Circle is a return to his roots.

“Even while having success in dancehall, pop, hip hop, and electronic music, the goal of creating a true reggae project never left me. This album took years because I wanted it to be authentic, not rushed,” said Honorebel. “I waited until the music, message, and timing aligned so I could properly tell my story through the genre that raised me.”

—Howard Campbell