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Barcelona-born, Kingston-based reggae artiste Irie Souljah returns with World Citizen, a new album released through Ineffable Records. Following his previous projects, Immigrant (2015) and All About Love – The EP (2023), this ten-track album marks a confident evolution in his sound and message. A lifelong student of reggae, Irie Souljah continues to champion unity, migration awareness, and cultural exchange.
Speaking on the meaning behind the album’s title, Irie Souljah shares, “ World Citizen means knowing that we’re all here on this earth at the same time, sharing the same oxygen, and we should be able to live together in peace. We’re just one big family called world.”
The album’s lead single, Rasta at the Control, sets the tone with autobiographical verses about his early life in Barcelona, while the title track, featuring Grammy-winner Kabaka Pyramid, takes a strong stance on immigration rights and global belonging.
The auditory journey of World Citizen also reflects the artiste’s growth as both a musician and a man. “With Immigrant, I was 22 and figuring things out. All About Love was an experiment. But World Citizen is full reggae again,” he explains. “You can’t play around with reggae music, it has to be done properly. That’s why I moved to Jamaica 11 years ago, and I’m still learning every day so that my music can be relatable and transcend generations.”
Produced mainly by longtime collaborator Genís Trani, the album showcases rich live instrumentation from Keneil Delisser (drums), Kawain Williamson (bass), Pau Dangla Valls (organ), and Ottmar (keys). It also features standout collaborations with both reggae luminaries and emerging voices: Kabaka Pyramid contributes as a featured artiste, co-writer, and producer; Alborosie appears on the spiritually charged Another Way; and MediSun (formerly King Mas) adds his lyrical prowess to So Far.
The album’s final track, In & Out, adds a more intimate layer to the project. Described by Irie as his first time opening up about a personal romantic experience, the song features both vocal and lyrical contributions from Mystic Marley, daughter of Stephen Marley. “Her voice is very fresh, it was the cherry on top,” Irie says. “She brought the sweet and spicy element the song needed.”
Known for his soulful delivery and message-driven music, Irie Souljah has graced major stages such as Reggae Sumfest and Rototom Sunsplash, and toured internationally alongside acts like Kabaka Pyramid, Cocoa Tea, and Iya Terra. With the World Citizen tour underway, he is bringing his conscious sound to fans across Europe, with performances in Denmark, Germany, Spain, and Italy.
“I want people to listen to the album like they’re watching a movie,” he said, adding, “It’s a trip through my life and how I see the world nowadays.”
English (US) ·