Bolt celebrates Billboard feat

Usain Bolt's trophy cabinet may be overflowing with silverware, but the eight-time Olympic gold medallist say his recent Billboard plaque for his debut album will occupy a special place among his awards.

The athlete-turned-entertainer recently received a Billboard plaque for Country Yutes, which was released on his A-Team Lifestyle record label a little over a year ago.

"Many people have been doing music for years and have never got onto the Billboard Charts, yet alone into the top 10. So I don't take this achievement for granted," Bolt told THE STAR.

In September 2021, Bolt, along with record label co-founder and friend Nugent 'NJ' Walker, released the album that included songs like Living The Dream and It's A Party. There were also collaborations featuring singjay Jae XO, who is on Need Your Love with NJ, as well as pro-footballer-turned-recording-artiste, Bibi Gardner, and former Big Yard Studio engineer Kamal Evans.

The album peaked at the number six position on the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart.

"I just want people to know I really appreciate all the support in making this possible," the world's fastest man said.

In a previous interview with THE STAR, the sprint legend said, "Music has been an element of relaxation before my races and as a celebratory tool after my victories."

Although Bolt has not been in a celebratory mood, after becoming the victim of a multi-million dollar fraud at local investment firm Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL), he remains invested in his music recording and production career, and devoted to giving artistes a platform to express their creativity.

Determined to spread Jamaican culture to the world and build a legacy as a leading entity in the entertainment sector through A-Team Lifestyle, he is preparing for the release of new projects soon.

"We have two songs, that Usain and I produced for two artistes' albums, I think the people will be especially surprised to hear. We have a track on Yaksta's upcoming album and another on Charly Black's album - both of which should be coming at the end of month," NJ shared.

According to NJ, he and Bolt have been busy in studio working on music. He urged fans to look out for the upcoming projects, adding that "they will be excited when they hear the productions".

Previous productions of the A-Team Lifestyle label are Usain Bolt Presents: 9.58 Riddim; Usain Bolt Presents: Olympe Rose; Usain Bolt Presents: Immortal Riddim; and Usain Bolt Presents: Clockwork Riddim.

Heavy-hitting entertainers such as Vybz Kartel, Teejay, Shaneil Muir and Christopher Martin are the persons on Usain Bolt Presents: Clockwork Riddim.