Samory I, Lila Iké celebrate being ‘Outside’
Published:Tuesday | November 14, 2023 | 12:08 AM
Samory I, numbered among the island’s most promising reggae artistes, is focused on ounting his blessings on his new single, Outside, featuring Lila Iké, with additional vocals from selector Boom Boom.
Even though Samory I and Lila Iké are from different communities in Jamaica, they share a similar upbringing and connection over struggle while also acknowledging their perseverance and tenacity.
In expanding on the song’s message, Samory I shared, “Youths aspire for greatness, but life comes with many challenges. The journey often starts from humble beginnings, but hard work brings success. I’m grateful through all things.”
He added that “the synergy with Lila Iké was amazing”.
Lila shared his enthusiasm.
“I have been waiting for this collaboration since 2016 when I moved to Kingston and my next door neighbour was blasting unreleased songs from Samory I. The reverence in his voice captured me immediately and I’ve been a fan since. I can’t wait for people to hear and feel the power in his sound. His new album will be a classic,” Lila proclaimed.
A music video for the song, directed by Aka.Ruppi, vibrantly captures the two artistes celebrating life through Kingston, Jamaica. The visual, which premieres November 17, also features cameos from their musical peers Mortimer and Protoje and selector Boom Boom.
Outside is the latest single from Samory I’s anticipated solo debut album Strength, available November 17 via Overstand Entertainment and Easy Star Records.
The LP follows Black Gold, his 2017 collaborative album with producer Rory ‘Stonelove’ Gilligan.
Named after Samory I’s affectionate moniker for his son, Strength is an 11-track storied opus produced by Winta James, whose credits include hits with Protoje, Chronixx and Damian Marley.
OVERCOMING THE STRUGGLES
Samory I said the LP “represents the struggles I’ve overcome, both mentally and physically”.
Over the past year, Samory I has teased with singles from his forthcoming LP, including Blood in the Streets, Crown and Wrath, featuring 2023 Grammy award-winner Kabaka Pyramid and dancehall legend Capleton. Other guest appearances on Strength include Lila Iké, Jesse Royal, and Mortimer.
Samory I, an artiste who is both in tune with the contemporary and appreciative of the classic, is a voice for the voiceless with messages of hope, pain, resilience, and love for the people. His impassioned vocals often carry exalting messages with a spirit of rebellion. He was named after Samory Touré, a successful African ruler who fought against European colonisation in the 19th century. Like his namesake, Samory I plants his feet firmly, grounded and confident, in a new era of roots reggae music where boundaries are limitless. His lyrical consciousness and distinct emotive vocals are resonating with fans across the globe.
Following his breakthrough single Rasta Nuh Gangsta (with over 10 million views on YouTube and 6 million streams on Spotify), Samory I has landed features on two Grammy-nominated reggae albums: Jesse Royal’s Royal (2021), for their collaboration High Tide or Low and Protoje’s album Third Time’s The Charm (2022), for the closing track, Heavy Load. In 2022, Samory I released Life Is Amazing, featuring dancehall star Chi Ching Ching, and L ove and Mercy off the Gratitude Riddim compilation (produced by Grammy- nominated Winta James), which became one of his most streamed tracks to date.
Since then, Samory I has continued to work with James, and will release their compilation of work on Strength.