5 Questions With Samory I and CeeCee

As that day when love is celebrated in a special way around the world approaches, 5 Questions With ... had a sit down with a vibrant couple — the cool Rastafarian singer Samory I and his stunning fiancée CeeCee. Seeing them out and about, the two definitely give “cute couple” vibes, with Samory I the Yang to her Yin.

Samory-Tour Frazer, otherwise known as Samory I, hails from Kencot in St Andrew and like many reggae singers, he got his start in the church, which he and his siblings attended every Saturday with his strong Seventh day Adventist mother. He is known for bringing his congregation to tears with his singing. In 2013, he met with First Born Management Bridgett Anderson who was instrumental in the career of the late Garnet Silk and this paved the way for a young Samory to perform at the Digicel’s Bob Marley Tribute at Emancipation Park and the Dennis Brown tribute on the Waterfront.

His first single, Just Believe, was recorded for AJANG Records and he has also worked in studio tracks with veteran producer Niney The Observer, who brought in legendary musicians such as Sly Dunbar, Style Scott, Errol ‘Flabba’ Holt, Dalton Brownie, Dean Fraser and Nambo Robinson to play live instruments on the tracks. Samory I’s first album, Black Gold (2017) was produced by RoryStoneLove on the Black Dub label. It included the title track, as well as Take Me Oh Jah, Rasta Nuh Gangsta, African Queen, and Son of David.

In April 2022, he released Love and Mercy, produced by Grammy-nominated Winta James, who also helmed his critically acclaimed album Strength. Samory I later dropped Life Is Amazing featuring Chi Ching Ching and appears on Protoje’s Third Time’s The Charm on the closing track, Heavy Load. He is currently on a soon-to-be-released project with Tun Up Squad, with the legendary Clive Hunt as the producer.

CeeCee, the eldest of seven children, was born in Maryland to a Senegalese mother and Nigerian (Igbo) father, and carries her heritage proudly in everything she creates.

An artiste, creative entrepreneur, she is the owner of ZiriSol, a virtual interior design brand, which she describes as being “rooted in culture, storytelling, and intentional living”. Those who know her, often comment on her “warm spirit and expressive creativity”. Whether through her work or her personal life, CeeCee embodies a quiet confidence and a devotion to living fully and truthfully — values that beautifully mirror the love she shares with Samory.

1. As a conscious Rastaman you don’t celebrate Saint Valentine, but how do you balance your personal convictions with the expectations of your fans?

Samory I: I’m not here to preach or force my beliefs on anyone. Celebrating love any day is a beautiful thing. I celebrate love every day ... I just don’t do it in the name of a man called Valentine.

2. Do you think it’s important to have love songs in your catalogue, and what is your most recent song proclaiming love?

Samory I: Of course. Love songs are an essential component of my catalogue. African Queen and With You are two of them, and I recently shot the video for my newest single, which is a love song. I think — I know — that fans are really going to love this one. It is titled Season to Love, and it will be dropping on all platforms on February 19.

3. You are often seen in public with your fiancée. What attracted you to her most when you first met?

Samory I: The way her mind works, the way she speaks, her body ... everything about her screamed, ‘Samory, this is yours’.

4. What attracted you to Samory I and how has your life changed since meeting him?

CeeCee: He’s the epitome of a free spirit. That’s something we share, I’m quiet with it (laughs)... but he expresses it loudly and unapologetically. I admire that about him so much. Being with him has expanded my life in the most beautiful, authentic way, and I’m really grateful for that.

5. What is your favourite Samory I song?

CeeCee: There’s no such thing as one favourite Samory I song, honestly. But if I had to choose, the one that captures me every time is There is a Spirit.

BRAWTA:

How do you usually celebrate Valentine’s Day?

CeeCee: We’re both very intentional about the time we spend and the memories we create together. Valentine’s Day can be a quiet date night or a spontaneous trip — either way, we celebrate our relationship in an intimate, personal way.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com