From Spain to Jamaica: Irie Souljah is making his dreams a reality
Photo courtesy of Ineffable Music.
Daily Reggae spoke with rising star, Irie Souljah about his amazing new EP, “All About Love”, recently completed first tour on the West Coast, and journey as an artist moving from Spain to Jamaica.
Big congrats on the release of your new EP, “All About Love”! The nine tracks sound so amazing, and we absolutely love the vibes! Where did you write the songs on the EP? Do you prefer to write in the studio or is it wherever creativity strikes?
Thank you! Well, I wrote one of the leading singles “Helping Hand” some years ago in Stony Hill where I used to live when I first moved to Jamaica. I wrote that one up in the hills, the rest of the songs though were written during pandemic time in a new place in Kingston. Usually I prefer to write songs in my home studio at night time while the city is sleeping, but you never know when the message will come at you, sometimes it can at a party full of noise… you just get inspired!
“What It Feels Like” is one of our favorite songs on the EP. This song has such a smooth groove and vibe. I love hearing our vocals over the riddim and acoustic guitar. Is this a song that you enjoy playing at your live shows? What are some of your other favorite songs to perform?
Give thanks again, it’s one of my favorites too. Definitely is a special one for me, I love playing this one in acoustic style enuh. My favorite songs to perform right now are Helping Hand, Thankful and Learn & Grow from my first project.
Speaking of live shows, you just recently wrapped a West Coast tour with Iya Terra, Surfer Girl and E.N Young! Tell us about the tour - what were some of your favorite sets, and did you perform with a full band?
Yes, it was my first time in the West Coast and made me realize the possibilities of connecting with fans and fellow musicians to grow a relationship with real people who will support your musical journey. All sets were amazing to be honest but Sacramento, Santa Cruz and San Diego were special. I performed with E.N. Young’s band, who were amazing too, and also did jump on Iya Terra’s set on every show. Making good music with good people is always a win, really grateful for the opportunity.
Growing up in Barcelona, Spain, when did you decide to move to Jamaica. Two of the EP’s standout tracks are with other Jamaica-based artists, Chronic Law and Anthony B. What was it like collaborating with Chronics Law on “Thankful” and Anthony B on “Helping Hand”?
I was around 18 when I had the vision of moving there, I was playing reggae music back then already with my band and I really wanted everybody to follow me haha, but you can’t make people follow your vision unless it aligns with yours. I didn’t materialize it until a couple years after but I was sure of what I wanted to do and it’s been almost 10 years now. The collab with Chronic Law still is probably one of my favorites ever, I went to his studio and I was a likkle bit familiar with his music but didn’t know what to expect, after less than an hour he just murdered the riddim like I couldn’t believe it! And what to say about the legend that is Anthony B, I grew up listening to his music, have seen him perform many times and learn from his presence on stage. So to have such a powerful track with him is truly a blessing.
What has it been like becoming part of the Ineffable Music family, and where are some other cities that you’re hoping to tour in 2024? We cannot wait to continue watching your rise!
Bwoy I have to big up Ineffable to the maximum, I believe they know what they’re doing and I love the approach and relationship we have. There’s more things on the way like movements in Costa Rica and Europe, but I would like to be touring more cities in the USA. Thank you for having me, much Respect, Rastafari.
