Zamunda’s 2009 hit still making an impact

In 2009, the single Jah Love Surround Me served as a springboard for reggae rising star Zamunda.

The message was so precise, "I had to do it twice," said the artiste, who, after teaming up with Popcaan and Dre Island two years ago to record a remix of the hit, has also released an album with the same title. He said that the title and the track deserved to be on an album after all it has done for his career.

"After that song was released, I performed on all the major shows in Jamaica - Reggae Sumfest, Sting and Rebel Salute - and I received the opportunity to tour Europe, Canada and around the Caribbean. I think one of the first major international stages I touched because of Jah Love Surround Me was Reggae Geel Festival in Belgium," Zamunda recalled.

"Basically, it did everything for me. It is Jah love and that is undeniable. I never got to use that title on an album and when Popcaan and Dre Island link up for the remix, that message was well-needed," he continued. The remix has amassed close to 10 million views on YouTube, and more than 400,000 streams on Spotify.

The 15-track album also sees collaborations with Zamunda and Louie Culture, Capleton, Anthony B and Jah Cure, with a recurring message about spreading love and the importance of spiritual stability. Zamunda, who is a native of St Ann, spent the past two years in Kingston to focus on the production of the album's songs, all of which were recorded and produced between the Tuff Gong and Big Yard studios.

"One of the reasons I stayed in town is because it was much easier to reach everything and everybody. It wasn't a hard transition; it was hectic but fun spending the time of the production in the city. For big projects like these, it is important to invest the time and the energy and I wanted to be present as the producer of the album, to see the live bands play the music for all the tracks and to be hands on," he said.

"Persons will see that I have something for everybody; speaking about love for the people, for the ladies, and there is roots-reggae and music to dance to. I also have something for the dancehall on this live studio album. The song, the remix and the overall message continue to make an impact locally and internationally and I just want to keep that energy going strong," Zamunda continued.