Veteran reggae artiste Spectacular is preparing to release his upcoming album, Rhythms of the Righteous, in January 2027, marking his first official album release in Jamaica after more than 30 years in music.

Produced by George “Trouble” Whitehead, executive producer and owner of On The Spot Muzik, the project draws on Spectacular’s decades-long journey through music, faith, personal growth, and life experiences.

It was recorded at Mixing Lab Studio in St Andrew.

“This album was inspired by life itself. Over the last 30 years, I’ve experienced success, struggles, growth, faith, travel, and personal transformation. Rhythms of the Righteous is my way of turning that journey into music,” Spectacular said.

Producer George “Trouble” Whitehead (left) and recording artiste Spectacular.

Rooted in reggae, the album explores spirituality, Jamaican culture, love and perseverance. For Spectacular, its title reflects his belief that reggae should carry a message beyond entertainment.

“To me, Rhythms of the Righteous represents music with purpose. Reggae should uplift, inspire, educate, and preserve our culture,” he said. “Every song has its own identity, but together they create a body of work built on positive energy, consciousness, and truth.”

Three singles: I Need It, Reggae Music, and Trust in Jah — featuring Janeel Mills — have already been released from the project. Spectacular said the selections were intended to introduce different aspects of the album.

“I Need It brings humour and storytelling. Trust in Jah focuses on faith and spiritual guidance. Reggae Music celebrates the culture and the music that shaped my life,” he explained.

The collaboration with Mills came after the production team decided that a female voice would complement the record. She was subsequently introduced to the project through the studio’s engineer.

“Janeel brought warmth… and her voice helped strengthen the message of the song,” Spectacular said.

The artiste, who identifies strongly with Rastafari, said spirituality is inseparable from both his life and his music.

“Faith is at the centre of everything I do. As a Rasta, spirituality isn’t something I add to my music; it’s part of who I am,” he shared.

Meanwhile, Reggae Music serves as a tribute to the genre and its Jamaican origins.

Spectacular hopes the song will resonate as an anthem celebrating reggae’s global impact and cultural significance.

“Reggae is more than entertainment. It’s our history, our culture, our resistance, our spirituality, and our identity. I wanted to create a song that would become an anthem and honour that legacy,” he said.

Spectacular was also heavily involved in the development of the album, contributing to its writing, composition, arrangements, and overall creative direction. While acknowledging reggae’s continued evolution, he said maintaining the genre’s foundation was important throughout the process.

“Rhythms of the Righteous stays true to the roots of reggae while still connecting with today’s audience. I wasn’t trying to follow trends. I was simply creating music that reflects who I am,” he said.

“I want people to feel inspired. I want them to reconnect with their faith, appreciate Jamaican culture, and remember the power of reggae music,” he added.

— Kediesha Perry