Jamaican musician
Protoje | |
|---|---|
Protoje in concert in Antwerp, Belgium, | |
| Birth name | Oje Ken Ollivierre |
| Also known as | Diggy, Proto |
| Born | () 14 June (age&#;43) |
| Origin | Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica |
| Genres | Dub, reggae |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter, deejay |
| Years active | –present |
| Labels |
|
| Website | |
Musical artist
Oje Ken Ollivierre (born 14 June ),[1] popularly known as Protoje, is a Jamaican of Afro-European heritage, a contemporary reggae singer and songwriter. His mother is Jamaican singer and lawyer Lorna Bennett, best known for her rendition of "Breakfast in Bed".[2] His father is a former calypso singer Mike Ollivierre from the island nation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. [3]
He was born in Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica.[1] Protoje first gained notice for his mixtape Lyrical Overdose Volume 1, featuring mostly hip hop-influenced songs. With a guest appearance by Busy Signal, however, his future career was leveled as a reggae and dancehall artist. In , Protoje began working with Don Corleon Records, run by his cousin[4] and popular Jamaican producer Don Corleon.[5] After releasing "Dread", "JA" and "Roll" in , Protoje's debut album, entitled The Seven Year Itch, was released on 25 January The first single off the album, dubbed "Arguments" (), was responsible for his early popularity in Jamaica. In , he released another single off the album entitled "Rasta Love" featuring Ky-Mani Marley.
His second album, The 8 Year Affair, was released 12 February "Who Dem a Program" was the first single released from the album in January , with "This Is Not a Marijuana Song" following mid-year. "Kingston Be Wise" was heavily promoted via traditional and social media. On the day of its release, 5 November , the music video became the most viewed YouTube link among internet users in Jamaica.[citation needed] The hashtag #KBW was used on Twitter. The song "Kingston Be Wise" (a remake of Ini Kamoze's song "England be nice") was featured in the video game Grand Theft Auto V on the in-game "Blue Ark" radio station,[6] increasing its popularity further and making an international name for the reggae artist. Protoje cited reggae artist Ini Kamoze and group Black Uhuru as influences when recording the album.[7]
In December Protoje was included on BBC Radio 1Xtra's 'Hot for ' list.[8]
His third album Ancient Future was initially set for release in September ,[9] but was put back until March [10] Produced by Phillip "Winta" James, the album includes the song "Who Knows", a collaboration with Chronixx, which was released as a single.[2] Two tracks from the album, "Answer to Your Name" and "Criminal" were released ahead of the album as exclusives on the England Be Wise mixtape for BBC 1xtra DJ Toddla T.[11] Two weeks after its release it topped the Billboard Top Reggae Albums chart.[12] "Who Knows" was certified Silver by BPI in [13]
On 14 June , Protoje released Side B of his fourth studio album, Royalty Free, as a free download to the public on his website.
His album, A Matter of Time, received a Grammy Award nomination in the Best Reggae Album category.[14]
On 27 March , Protoje joined Chronixx on a remix of Alicia Keys' song Underdog.[15]
On 13 April , Protoje announced a new label deal with RCA Records. The deal allowed him "a certain level of creative control" and included artists Lila Iké and Sevana who he had been mentoring under his own label.[16][17]
On 28 August , Protoje released his fifth studio album In Search Of Lost Time, which peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.
On 23 September , Protoje released his sixth studio album Third Time's The Charm, which peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart and has secured him a Grammy Nomination. [18]