3 days ago
3
Harry J Recording Studio echoed with energy, celebration, and authentic Jamaican sound last Friday as Royal Blu unveiled his debut album, Spain Root, at an exclusive listening party that gathered reggae heavyweights and rising stars alike.
The event welcomed a select crowd of music tastemakers, media, and fellow artistes, including Protoje, Kabaka Pyramid, Dyani, and emerging female songstress Akina Eman, all of whom came out to support Royal Blu’s release. Local DJs and producers also filled the space, turning the event into an electrifying hub of creative kinship and musical reverence.
Guests were treated to a full listen of Spain Root, a 14-track sonic journey that pays homage to Royal Blu’s Spanish Town roots. Executively produced by GWav, a powerhouse collective made up of Royal Blu, whose given name is Sean-Michael Francis, Keron ‘KaleX’ Alexander, Aundre ‘RiddimBoss’ Edwards, and Romario ‘Runkus’ Bennett, the album blends lyrical storytelling with rich soundscapes grounded in reggae and soul.
Responding to questions from The Gleaner, Royal Blu shared how the album is deeply personal, with memories from his upbringing directly shaping the stories. “A core memory was every time I’d leave my house in Spanish Town, no matter how near or far, my mom would pray for me. She’d call me royalty and pray for my protection. That’s why I felt it was important to have her prayers sprinkled throughout the album. I didn’t even ask her to pray about anything specific. Those were actual prayers that she would voice note me,” he revealed.
The night reached fever pitch with surprise cameo performances by Protoje and Kabaka Pyramid, igniting the intimate crowd and cementing the event as a standout moment in Jamaica’s music calendar. Their contribution wasn’t just for the show – they’re also featured on the album, a collaboration Royal Blu described as both natural and meaningful.
“The creative exchange with Protoje and Kabaka was seamless. The history and respect has been there, and they’ve both wanted to collaborate with me for a while. So all it really took was me asking, and they delivered. It elevated the album because it added more context to my journey as an artiste, with these two being integral to my career development,” he said.
The decision to host the listening party at Harry J Studios, where the album was recorded, was also intentional. “Harry J Studios was perfect because it almost represents the first stop and the final stop. It has been the home for this album, and just like home, we leave and we come back. So instead of having so much people in my actual home, I decided to bring them to where it started and finished,” Royal Blu explained.
He also confirmed that Spain Root is only the beginning, with plans to bring the album to audiences both locally and internationally. “I definitely plan on touring and showcasing this album outside of Jamaica and also in Jamaica, of course.”
With Spain Root marking his first full-length release, Royal Blu sees it as a milestone and a launching point. “ Spain Root is my official introduction to the world. I’ve been doing music for as long as I can remember, but this body of work represents the foundation of who I am. And now the goal is to build on this and expand, get better and show my range as an artiste, songwriter and performer.”
As Royal Blu himself said on the night, “ Spain Root is my love letter to where I am from and who I have become musically. To share this project with my family, friends, peers, supporters and collaborators in the same space [where] the album was recorded was one of the most meaningful nights of my life. Every emotion, every face in the room reminded me why I started this journey, and I’m just grateful to be able to share my music [with] the world”.
Spain Root is out now on all major music platforms.
English (US) ·