JESSE ROYAL “HOPE” FEAT. ROMAIN VIRGO

Jesse Royal, nominated for a GRAMMY for his last full album, “ROYAL”, in 2021, has released a powerful new track encouraging fighting for justice, uplifting communities, and moving forward. The song “Hope” is Jesse’s first new single since “ROYAL” and marks the beginning of his new cycle of releases, culminating in a new EP later this year.

The track features Romain Virgo, a reggae superstar who has topped the charts in numerous Caribbean countries and hit number one on the Billboard reggae chart with his 2018 album “Lovesick.” “Hope” is a potent single combining singer and a propulsive track produced by Sean Alaric.

In explaining the inspiration for the song, Jesse says, “We are blessed in excess as a little nation [Jamaica] that has caused a huge impact on the world, from music to culture to respecting the herb. This song reminds us that we don’t need too much government interference – we need ‘hope.’ The opportunity to think big and dream big because it’s necessary on a broader scale for the world. A confident Jamaica to me means a happier world.”

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Since his GRAMMY nomination, Jesse Royal has been busy on many fronts, working on new music while serving as an ambassador for Digicel in Jamaica and regularly doing community outreach for the company. He has also appeared on songs with Protoje, Zac Jone$, Konshens, and Kabaka Pyramid‘s GRAMMY-winning album “The Killing.” Jesse has continued to build up his touring, especially in the US, where he had successful shows in 2022 with Protoje and Lila Ike and appearances at major festivals such as California Roots, Cali Vibes, and Reggae Rise Up.

Jesse Royal’s “Hope” arrives just as he embarks on some early summer touring, including headlining shows in New York City, Chicago, Burlington (VT), and others, festival appearances at Cali Roots and Dry Diggings, and supporting Stephen Marley on four shows. He will also play at Wolf Trap outside of Washington DC with Protoje, SOJA, and special guest J Boog.

“Royal offers up razor-sharp grooves, glistening atmosphere, triumphant horns, and an arsenal of catchy hooks…Jesse pulls obvious influence from the roots era, but he also incorporates hip hop, electronic music, and other modern sounds. It blurs the line between retro and futuristic, and it’s an instantly-satisfying album that just hits harder with each listen.”
– Brooklyn Vegan

ABOUT JESSE ROYAL

Jesse Royal is a Jamaican artist known for his old-school reggae style, with Rasta lyrics celebrating wisdom and spirituality. REGGAE TASTEMAKER

Jesse Royal is a Jamaican artist known for his old-school reggae style, with Rasta lyrics celebrating wisdom and spirituality. He grew up in a musical household and gained mentors through friendships with members of the Marley family. Royal steadily built a following with live shows and singles, leading to the release of his first album, Lily of da Valley, in 2017. He gained worldwide recognition with the hit single “Always Be Around.”

LINK WITH JESSE ROYAL

ABOUT ROMAIN VIRGO

Romain Virgo, a reggae singer from Jamaica, gained fame after winning a televised singing competition at age 17 REGGAE TASTEMAKER

Romain Virgo, a reggae singer from Jamaica, gained fame after winning a televised singing competition at age 17. He released his debut album in 2010 and had a hit with his reggae version of Sam Smith’s “Stay with Me” in 2014. His third album, LoveSick, came out in 2017.