Jethro Sheeran, rapper and cousin of international sensation Ed Sheeran, is encouraging more local artistes to do what they can to spread reggae music globally.

Sheeran has been promoting the genre in and around England, which he says has been well received.

“I love all reggae music and artistes. I’m a big fan of the Marleys, having worked with them on the Tropical House album. I do think reggae music should be spread more; I think a lot of the reggae artistes should tour around England and USA more. As you know, it’s a small genre when it comes to the charting process and I think it should be bigger because it’s a huge sound. Reggae music is one of my favourite sounds of all music…hip hop, Afrobeat— it all stems from reggae music and it has that punch that everyone loves,” Jethro Sheeran told the Jamaica Observer.

Meanwhile, Sheeran — who intends to visit the island later this year to collaborate with Tommy Lee Sparta — said that he and Ed are open to producing a Jamaican-infused track.

“I already have [a track] called Outlaw. That’s a hip hop reggae track that reached number one on the radio charts. For me and Ed to do something, that’s a definite possibility; more like his Shape Of You hit song with a reggae/ dancehall beat. I would love to do a reggae song with Ed Sheeran,” he said.

The former model/actor previously had songs on the Tropical House Cruises to Jamaica, Tropical House Cruises to Jamaica: Reggae Collector’s Edition, and Jamaican Garrison Christmas collections.

Sheeran moved to south London as a teenager and later resided between Trinidad and the UK.

Having been exposed to reggae for many years, the rapper said he has developed a deep appreciation.

“What I love about reggae is the heart and soul…it’s like a form of prayer. Like, when they’re singing they’re kind of praying. It’s conscious, it’s thought-provoking and it’s beautiful,” he said.

“Everyone loves reggae. I work with a Bristol band called Laid Blak…Turtle Bay is a restaurant that does all West Indian food and they have given me my own special island card so I can get free food whenever I like. Reggae music has been very well received and thanks to Contractor and all the major reggae superstars, it’s been received so well,” Sheeran added.