Protoje, the two-time Grammy-nominated reggae artist renowned for seamlessly blending classic reggae with contemporary cross-genre sensibilities, has unveiled his latest album, The Art of Acceptance. This new LP, released on April 17 via Ineffable Records and his own In.Digg.Nation Collective, marks a significant departure for the artist, feeling like his most personal work to date, crafted primarily for his own creative fulfillment. The album, featuring a stellar lineup of collaborators including Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, Shenseea, Masicka, and Jesse Royal, presents thirteen poignant musical manifestos deeply rooted in Rastafari principles and informed by firsthand experiences of grief and growth.
A Sonic Evolution Rooted in Personal Truth
The Art of Acceptance arrives four years after Protoje’s last solo studio project, Third Time’s the Charm (2022), and signifies his first full-length release since parting ways with RCA in the same year. This return to independent status, with In.Digg.Nation exclusively licensing its releases to Ineffable, has allowed Protoje to further champion local contemporary reggae talent, most notably through his Lost in Time Festival, which he launched in 2023. Billboard attended this year’s staging at Hope Gardens in Kingston, Jamaica, a significant event that included a rare local performance from reggae savant Chronixx, his first in seven years. This commitment to bridging generations within the reggae community is palpable throughout The Art of Acceptance. The album’s sonic tapestry weaves in influences ranging from Griselda-esque hip-hop undertones, evident in the production of James’ soundscape, to the uplifting, anthemic feel of tracks like "At We Feet."
Protoje’s artistic philosophy is encapsulated in his assertion: "I’ve lived to see people showing love no longer be the default; love is the rebellion." He elaborates on the core tenets of reggae, stating, "Reggae music is about struggle and oppression, but it is always yearning for love and reconciliation. My music balances those things. There cannot be peace without justice, so we have to fight for both. The world is in chaos, and Babylon is falling, but what are we going to do now? What do we build in its place for the next era?" This sentiment underscores the album’s thematic depth, exploring societal challenges while advocating for a more harmonious future.
The Genesis of The Art of Acceptance: A Producer’s Spark and a Spiritual Pilgrimage
The creative spark for The Art of Acceptance ignited when producer Winta James presented Protoje with the initial beat for "The Locusts." "I heard that and knew I wanted to write a new album," Protoje recalls. While he possesses a vast reservoir of unreleased material, this particular beat resonated profoundly, prompting a renewed creative drive. The opening lyrics, "Rastafari teach I how to forgive/ I’ve been learning how to live and let live," were already nascent ideas, a testament to Winta’s early vision for the track. This marked a significant collaboration, as Protoje and Winta had not worked together in the studio since Protoje’s 2018 album, A Matter of Time. The subsequent creation of "Big 45" and "Feel It" with his band solidified the album’s direction.
A pivotal moment in the album’s development was Protoje’s spiritual pilgrimage to Ethiopia. While "The Locusts" and "Reference" began before the journey, they were finalized during his time there. Seeking deeper inspiration, Protoje felt compelled to visit Ethiopia, a land deeply intertwined with Rastafari faith. The experience of celebrating an Ethiopian Christmas, witnessing Timkat, and exploring sites like Lalibela and the Afar region, provided not only profound spiritual grounding but also rich visual material. "We documented everything, so now we have dope visuals for every song," Protoje shares. The trip fundamentally impacted his perspective, instilling a sense of invincibility and liberation from external pressures. "I did something to feed my spirit; what higher art can you do? I felt so free and liberated, so whatever else comes from this album is just a bonus," he reflects.
Collaboration as a Catalyst for Growth
The collaborative spirit of The Art of Acceptance extends beyond Winta James. The inclusion of Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley on "At We Feet" was a carefully considered choice. Initially, Protoje and Winta debated which track Marley would best complement, considering options like "The Locusts" or "Sword & Shield." However, Marley expressed a desire to contribute to a song that felt universally reggae, leading to the creation of "At We Feet." Winta James also felt the project needed a classic one-drop rhythm, prompting the collaboration with Shenseea on "Goddess."
Protoje offers insight into the selectiveness of his collaborations: "Every time Masicka does a feature, he lifts the song and stays on topic. He listens to the original verse and chorus and shares a perspective on that specific journey. He’s flawless on every feature." He extends similar praise to Shenseea, noting her exceptional performance on "Goddess," a reggae one-drop rhythm she hadn’t previously explored. "She also lifted the song and added her personality to bring it to the next level." The album also features Jesse Royal on the opening track, "Something I Said." Initially hesitant to revisit past expectations, Protoje was convinced by Winta James’ perspective that reflecting on his journey was integral to the album’s narrative of acceptance. The soulful, almost jazzy chords of the song, highlighted by his bass player, perfectly complemented Jesse Royal’s embodied energy.
Redefining Creative Process and Album Title Significance
Protoje’s creative process for The Art of Acceptance embraced a departure from heavy sampling in favor of live instrumentation. This was a conscious decision, driven by a desire for greater mindfulness and creativity. Influences from ’90s Steely & Clevie and Gussie Clarke are subtly woven into the sonic fabric, alongside the perennial presence of Sly & Robbie. He also sought to incorporate the sparse, almost out-of-tune keyboard sound reminiscent of Griselda and Wu-Tang Clan. "This is the album I wanted to make for a long time," Protoje states, emphasizing his liberation from the pressure of thinking about future projects.
The album’s title, The Art of Acceptance, emerged organically, representing a significant phase in Protoje’s personal and artistic journey. He explains, "dealing with the stages of grief, there’s denial, acceptance, forgiveness, etc. I didn’t want to focus on denial because I got past that, and it wasn’t helping me at all. I wanted to start a new chapter and journey of acceptance." This exploration delves into how he navigated challenging moments through introspection, philosophical discourse, and therapy, ultimately recognizing forgiveness as the ultimate key.
Chart Aspirations and the Legacy of Independent Music
While Protoje has achieved critical acclaim and Grammy nominations, his current ambitions lean towards a different metric of success. "A Billboard Hot 100 [hit] would mean way more to me," he admits. "A Grammy is not at the forefront of my goal; it never has been." His focus is on creating music with a lasting cultural impact, resonating across generations. "I want music to be relevant to elders, the youth and my peers. I want to see conversations and ideas sparked by the messages on my project." However, he acknowledges the significance of a Grammy for his mother, Jamaican singer and lawyer Lorna Bennett, stating, "But I like for my mother to get what she wants!"
Protoje’s experience with the major label system, specifically his time at RCA, provided valuable lessons. He joined the label primarily due to Archie Davis, who facilitated a deal for him and his artists. However, after Davis’s departure, the environment at RCA shifted, posing challenges, particularly without a key man clause. He notes a general industry struggle with understanding and marketing Caribbean music within major label structures, though he retained his masters and creative control, which was paramount. "I learned a lot from being there, but I always knew I was never interested in a major," he reflects. The deal ultimately "naturally ran its course."
The Future of In.Digg.Nation and a Visual Narrative
Looking ahead, In.Digg.Nation Collective is poised for a busy year. Protoje has created visuals for every song on The Art of Acceptance, presenting the album as a continuous visual experience. Screenings have already been held in Jamaica, with plans for similar events in the United States. Further singles and individual music videos are slated for release, alongside extensive touring. Protoje is currently wrapping up his 46-date Reggae Invasion Tour across Europe, the U.K., and the U.S., demonstrating his continued commitment to bringing his music to a global audience. The album’s enduring message of acceptance and resilience promises to resonate deeply with listeners, solidifying Protoje’s position as a pivotal voice in contemporary reggae.
