Bolt, NJ take on a ‘say less’ attitude

Usain Bolt is not running away from any hurdle the music industry may place in front of him.

The eight-time Olympic gold medallist has been dedicating a lot of time to the studio, said Nugent Walker, Bolt's executive manager and business partner.

Walker, who goes by 'NJ', told THE STAR, "We don't focus on critics or naysayers." The teacher-turned-recording artiste shared that his students have acted as motivational speakers in their feedback to him taking a chance in music.

"They are loving it. When myself, as well as the A-Team see responses like, 'Sir, we didn't know you have them skills', it is very motivating," NJ said. "We embrace the challenge of getting better; we just continue to grow and let the music speaks for itself."

In allowing the music to do that, they released another collaboration under the A-Team Lifestyle label, titled Say Less. The official music video for the track was recently uploaded on YouTube on March and is currently trending, holding the number 11 spot. Prior to this, they collaborated with up-and-coming female artiste Jae XO on Need Your Love. That video was released on Valentine's Day.

"Our music is relatable and fun. So expect us to continue that trend," said Bolt, who, after retiring from the track in 2017, ventured into other fields that he believed he could contribute to the promotion of Jamaica's culture.

His ventures have always incorporated music and music practitioners, he says, and he continues to work on his debut dancehall EP. With the launch of his Olympe Rose champagne in 2019, he also announced his first music industry project, a juggling rhythm named after the beverage. The dancehall-fusion rhythm was produced by his cousin, Rajah 'Plugs' Nelson, and featured Ricardo 'Bibi' Gardner, Dexta Daps, Christopher Martin, Ding Dong and Munga Honorable.

"Recording for the EP has been coming along great. We are really enjoying the process of getting better and learning each day. Every day, different ideas come to us and we just try incorporate them in songs," Bolt shared.