Usain Bolt still going for ‘records’ - Sprint legend to release first rhythm on Friday

Track and field and football may get the blood of Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt pumping, but music is the one thing that helps to maintain its flow at the right pressure.

Flashback to the 2008 Summer Olympics, when Bolt transcended to the rank of global superstar.

He not only turned heads with record-breaking sprints, but entertained the spectators following each win by dancing across the track of the Beijing National Stadium.

"That shows my genuine love of music; it has played a significant role in my development, especially in my athletics career. Music has been an element of relaxation before my races and as a celebratory tool after my victories," Bolt told THE STAR. "There's a definite synergy between sports and music. Some of the world's known athletes use music in their training, workouts and to ease their minds."

The 100m and 200m world record holder retired from the track in 2017, then spent two months playing football with Australian team Central Coast Mariners.

After that, Bolt announced that he was ready to transition into entrepreneurship. But just because his professional sports-playing days are over, it does not mean he is over 'playing the field' - this time as the executive producer of the 'Olympe Rose Rhythm'. It marks the official debut of the Usain Bolt brand into the music industry.

Always exploring

"Everyone is aware that I have retired from sports. I am now a full-time businessman and will continue to do my best in whatever ventures I pursue," he said. "My team and I are always exploring new ways to keep expanding my brand. We felt with the launch of my champagne Olympe Rose here in Jamaica, it was a no-brainer to create this music project in its honour."

The rhythm is created by up-and-coming producer Rajah Nelson, who has worked with dancehall artistes like Quada and Tommy Lee Sparta.

The featured tracks which are appropriately centred on summer and Caribbean lifestyle are recorded by dancehall's top runners Christopher Martin, Ding Dong, Munga Honourable and Dexta Daps, and took approximately three months to be completed.

Bolt, a major fan of Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Sizzla, Shaggy and Vybz Kartel (who he names as his favourite deejay), says that he is making a tribute to the art of dancehall with the rhythm's official release slated for this Friday.

"I am sharing my passion of music with supporters of Brand Usain Bolt, and introducing another element of Jamaican culture to the world. I am an 80s baby so I grew up on music from the 90s and early 2000s, and dancehall music is an important part of Brand Jamaica that I want to share with world," he explained.

But he added that the plan also includes branching out into other genres.

It is one thing to be a legend on the sporting field but the music industry is a whole different ball game, which the athlete-turned-executive producer accepts.

"If you examine my career you will see I am not one to be deterred by criticism. I actually embrace it and let it push me to be the best at whatever I try. I am looking forward to learning even more about dancehall's culture on this new journey," he said.