Usain Bolt promises a ‘musical high’ from new reggae album

As quick as he's known to break his own records, that's how former track star-turned-producer Usain Bolt keeps dropping his musical albums.

The music lover is set to release his "sweet reggae" album titled Sweet 7 Riddim today (Friday), just two months after dropping his love-laced album, Escape Riddim. In an exclusive interview with THE WEEKEND STAR, Bolt shared the inspiration behind producing another A-Team Lifestyle project.

"On my musical journey, it's important for me to explore all the different facet of our music. When I travel the world, reggae music always connects differently with the people. So I just wanted to contribute a body of work in the reggae space. Respect to all the artistes who supported this reggae project and, as the title says, it's sweet reggae music on the sweet seven," Bolt stated.

He continued, "Naturally we grow up on reggae music also. Sweet 7 is heavenly and just connected to [a] whole sweet reggae music feel. This project is just a sweet reggae vibes to your soul. I would describe [it] as feel-good music that everyone can listen to. By now, I think people realise my love for music. Just expect a nice groove when listening to Sweet 7 and know some of your favourite artistes [will] give you a musical high."

The seven-track reggae album is completed with the raspy, soothing and inspirational blended mix of seven musical giants delving into from topical issues to expressing the warmth of a mother's love while touching on a soul-searching adventure with God. Bolt said, along with the decision made by himself and his manager, Nugent 'NJ' Walker, about the album's title, the artistes were deliberately chosen.

"We're always looking to work with new artistes while also having the support of our core team. I always wanted to work with soulful Alaine, and this project just fit naturally with her. Lutan Fyah is one of most talented reggae artistes with a unique way of bringing his energy to the production. Lukie D is legendary with his vocals, and a dream come through to voice him," Bolt said. "Ras-I represents the new generation of reggae singers and he added a significant blend of new wave reggae sound to the project. Ikaya has a vocal cadence like no other and she found a pocket on the beat to sing that I think will amaze everybody. Chris' [Christopher Martin] vocal range over the years has grown and is now staple in the industry. So, in all, I feel we have a wide range of sounds that will resonate with the fans." The album was co-produced by Walker and is available on all streaming platforms. Sweet 7 Riddim beatmaker Rajah Karanja Nelson is also integral in the completion of this creative body of work which was distributed by Marvment.

The project is Bolt's seventh studio album under the A-Team Lifestyle label. Among his previous popular albums are the Olympe Rose Riddim (2019), Clockwork Riddim (2021) and 9.58 Ri ddim (2022). As Bolt continues on his path of music, he shared that he will "always [be] working on music", and is currently planning to work on releasing some singles.