KINGSTON NIGHTS: THE STORY BEHIND DERRICK SOUND’S ‘UPLIFTMENT’
On a busy Kingston street in the early 2000s, Mr Nico and Inspecta Derrick were behind the decks, spinning tracks that drew crowds and shaped their musical identity. That energy, the late-night sound systems and city rhythms, forms the heartbeat of Derrick Sound’s Upliftment, their homage to reggae’s golden early 2000s.
Entirely produced by the duo, the album channels the era’s spirit while paying respect to legends like Fatis Burrell and Bobby Digital. Set to release on 31 October, Upliftment gathers voices that defined a generation: Sizzla, Capleton, Lutan Fyah, Luciano, Chezidek, Jah Mason, Peetah Morgan, Turbulence, Fantan Mojah, and Brother Culture.
Each track carries uplifting messages, while all riddims reflect Derrick Sound’s signature touch. Romain Tingueli’s saxophone and Zacharie Ksyk’s trumpet and trombone bring vibrant, living layers to the songs.
THIS IS REGGAE MADE BY THOSE WHO’VE LIVED ITS PULSE AND MOVE TO ITS RHYTH
The cover captures Mr Nico and Inspecta Derrick on Washington Boulevard in Kingston, a frozen moment from their formative years. While reggae’s 1970s are often celebrated, for Derrick Sound, the early 2000s are their personal golden era, the period that shaped their sound and spirit.
Now, as leaders on the European and international scene through their label Evidence Music, Derrick Sound channels that formative energy into Upliftment. The album bridges generations, carrying the spirit of early 2000s reggae into today’s playlists, available on digital platforms and limited edition vinyl.
DIGITAL TRACKLIST
01. Upliftment – Bugle, Agent Sasco, Derrick Sound
02. Blessings – Lutan, Derrick Sound
03. Jah Is Always Near – Sizzla, Derrick Sound
04. Jah Is In Charge – Chezidek, Derrick Sound
05. Knock Knock – Turbulence, Derrick Sound
06. Change We Want – Eesah, Derrick Sound
07. Can’t Break Our Souls – Peetah Morgan, Derrick Sound
08. Tired Of The Drama – Capleton, Derrick Sound
09. Bla Bla Bla – Lutan Fyah, Derrick Sound
10. Rumors Of War – Jah Mason, Derrick Sound
11. Old School Rule – Luciano, Derrick Sound
12. Badda We Badda – Brother Culture, Eesah, Derrick Sound
13. Double Standard – Fantan Mojah, Derrick Sound
ABOUT DERRICK SOUND
From the Geneva underground, Derrick Sound rose by spinning tracks that electrified local crowds. They co-founded major international label Evidence Music, connecting European audiences with reggae and dancehall icons. Their productions fuse classic rhythms with modern energy, attracting collaborations with legendary voices.
Constantly touring and releasing music, Derrick Sound has become a driving force in the global scene, shaping the sound of contemporary reggae while honouring its roots.
