Reggae singer Erral Matik is preparing to release Journey To Zion, the first single from his upcoming Ras Wires For Real EP.

Written by English songwriter Simon Woodward, who is also the executive producer of the EP, the conscious reggae track explores struggle, perseverance and the pursuit of peace and purpose.

“To me, it’s about moving through life’s struggles towards peace, purpose and something better,” Erral Matik said.

Although the song was inspired by Woodward’s experiences, Erral Matik immediately connected with its message.

“I didn’t try to imitate somebody else’s experience. I found the emotions in the song that connected with my own life and sang it from there,” he explained.

For the singer, Zion represents more than a physical destination.

“It represents spiritual freedom, inner peace and reaching a better place in life,” he said.

Woodward, who is from England, fell in love with reggae music during the 80s. His favourite reggae artiste is the late Peter Tosh. He composed Journey To Zion in late 2025 during a period of personal reflection and change.

The song was also influenced by Woodward’s love for reggae and his experience of getting married in Jamaica in 2003.

It was initially created for Ras Wires—Born Digital, a digital reggae concept Woodward developed while learning to use new creative tools. However, after Erral Matik began singing the material, Woodward realised that his voice could transform the project.

“Erral has authenticity and range in his voice. There’s genuine experience, emotion and a natural reggae character in his delivery. He doesn’t simply sing the words — he brings them to life,” Woodward said.

The material was later recreated with Jamaican musicians at BPM Jamdung Studio under the guidance of Master “Making It Real” Wayne.

“The digital version created the foundation, but the musicians added the human feel, movement and personality that made it ‘For Real’,” Erral Matik said.

Woodward stressed that the technology was used only as a creative starting point and not as a replacement for musicians. He credited Erral Matik, Master Wayne and the Jamaican musicians with bringing humanity and cultural authenticity to the project.

Journey To Zion was chosen as the lead single because it was the first song Woodward composed for Ras Wires. Its transformation into a live recording represents the project’s evolution from Ras Wires—Born Digital to Ras Wires For Real.

The project also signals a new chapter for Erral Matik, who was formerly known as Swift Mereo.

“Erral Matik represents where I am now — more mature, more focused and clearer about the music and message I want to put out,” he said.

The release date and accompanying visual details will be announced soon.