One week before leaving for Montego Bay to do a cameo performance at Reggae Sumfest’s closing night, Samory I (born Samory-Tour Frazer) spoke about his plans for the rest of 2024. Those plans include dates in Europe and the release of a deluxe edition of ‘Strength’, his 2023 album.
That 11-song set, produced by Phillip “Winta” James, earned strong reviews when released last November by Easy Star Records/Overstand Entertainment. According to James, the album will feature a cover of You Will Know, the 1987 hit song by Stevie Wonder.
Samory I said it was James’ idea to cover Knock me ’You Will Know’, which is from Wonder’s Characters album.
“We are working on a deluxe version of the album to be released later this year. More details will be announced soon,” said James, whose credits include Here Comes Trouble by Chronixx and Modern Day Judas by Jesse Royal.
Strength is Samory I’s second album, following the Rory Gilligan (Stonelove)-produced Black Gold which was released in 2017. Strength got impressive marks in major publications including Rolling Stone and Billboard, and of course here on World A Reggae.
Samory I said it was James’ idea to cover You Will Know, which is from Wonder’s classic Characters album.
With the release of Strength’s deluxe edition approaching, he is also preparing for a handful of shows in Europe in July and August.
Samory I is scheduled to perform on July 28 at Reggae Jam in Bersenbruck, Germany. On August 9, Samory I is billed for the No Logo Festival in Fraisans, France.
Winta James’ success with ‘new wave reggae acts’ in Jamaica influenced Samory I to work with him. Their collaboration resulted in Strength which had the critics raving.
Writing in Rolling Stone, Director/Photographer/Cinematographer Yannick Reid compared it to his debut album which spawned the hit single, Rasta Nuh Gangsta.
“His new album Strength is, even more so, a deeply spiritual and handsomely rangy reboot of the roots reggae genre, drawing deep from the music’s rich history while re-focusing it on the now,” he observed.
Strength was named number 42 on Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Albums of 2023.
Samory I is looking forward to another crack at Europe where he will share the stage with the likes of Burning Spear, Busy Signal, Romain Virgo, Johnny Clarke, Anthony B and Kabaka Pyramid.
“Is always a good feeling to witness to the people about the Most High, plus I bring the vibe an’ the energy back a dat,” he said.
By Howard Campbell
