‘One Love’, the new album from reggae singer Anslom from Papua New Guinea, is scheduled for release in late May by Baselinepng and Kingmaker/Universal. It has 11 songs including collaborations with Chaka Demus and Quino, lead singer of Big Mountain.
It is Anslom’s first album since ‘Love me Again’ which was released in 2018. Anslom told this column that while he tried different things, he stays true to form for most of the set. “Basically, to spread the messages of love, peace, hope and unity. This is what the world needs in these trying times,” he said.
The burly artist teams with Chaka Demus on ‘Smile’ and Quino on the title track. Aston Barrett Jr., son of the legendary Wailers bassist, also produced a song on ‘One Love’.
“I believe the timing is right, this album was finalized prior to the Bob Marley movie release. To have it endorsed by legends like The Wailers is such a blessing and featuring with other legends like Big Mountain, Quino and Chaka Demus is really exciting, and brings satisfaction to the work and effort making this Anslom music project a success,” said Anslom.
Another song on ‘One Love’ is ‘House of Love’, originally done as ‘A Heart is A House of Love’ by soul giants, The Dells. The original featured in the 1991 hit movie, ‘The Five Heartbeats’.
Anslom, who has been singing since the late 1990s, is popular throughout the Pacific Islands. Strongly influenced by acts like Lucky Dube, he has established himself throughout that region with well-received albums such as ‘Aross’ and ‘Fool Moon’.
With ‘One Love’, he is eager to spread his wings beyond his home base. “We project that if marketed, promoted and pitched well, we believe it will reach the masses and make a breakthrough with this album,” said Anslom.