One of these artists that are around for ages and keep making steady movements and building a great catalog is Jamaican-Canadian reggae artist Exco Levi. The 5 time winner of five Canadian Juno Awards (CARAS)) who has the legendary Penthouse Studios as his musical base, recently had his ‘Born To Be Free‘ album release party on February 29, 2024 at the Gardens of the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.

The new album came together during the COVID19 pandemic: “I Started writing and recording over the covid period, I’ve recorded around 20 songs in that time”, Exco told World A Reggae. As he continued: “4 songs were produced in Canada by my own record company High Priest Music, and All the others were recorded at Donovan Germain’s Penthouse Records in Jamaica.”

When listening to the album, it’s crystal clear that, just as like on his 1st album, a lot of time is spent on the production and mastering of the tracks, and the aim again is high: “This is my second album for Penthouse, My debut album Country Man” went number 1 on iTunes reggae chart day of release 2015” Exco added.

The album has, next to just roots reggae, a different style of music. On “Fine Tooth Comb” Exco Levi brings back the Ska from the early ’60 and on “Frozen heart” we hear a more Reggae Funk vibe. “Smile Africa” has an unmistaken African Vibe and on “Change your Mind” (with Charly Black) and “Red Carpet”, the singer doesn’t shy away from some proper Dancehall, and on the last he shares his love for Jamaica’s favourite shoes… Clarks!

Also a Special mention for the second collaboration on the album, “That’s what She Loves” alongside Duane Stephenson on the 1967 Tonight Riddim created by Keith & Tex under the production of Derrick Harriott.

I am looking forward seeing Exco Levi on the bigger Festivals around the globe again to see those new tracks (and the great older ones) being performed live on stage.

By Danny Creatah