‘Make Way Rasta’, the first album from singer Clatta Bumboo, is scheduled for release on November 24. It was recorded in Negril, Jamaica, and Rhode Island where he has lived for 15 years.
Clatta Bumboo, who is from Westmoreland parish in Jamaica, said recording sessions for the 12-song set began in late 2021 with Jamaican and American musicians. Most of the tracks have a One Drop feel, in line with his roots-reggae influences.
“First and foremost, I want the music to go to where it is welcomed and needed. If Europe take in the Clatta Bumboo sound and by extension request my presence, then that’s where I go. However, it is very important to me that the Jamaican Diaspora, Caribbean Diaspora gets wind of this sound,” he said.
The 46-year-old artist worked with three producers on ‘Make Way Rasta’. They are Garfield Gabay, who conducted the Jamaican sessions, with Djim Job and Ray Gennari calling the shots in Rhode Island.
Clatta Bumboo wrote all songs on the album, with assistance from Matthew Odabashian.
“The project started to take shape in November of 2022. A few tracks were developed out of dub plate sessions in the winter 2021. During the height of the global pandemic, local Rhode Island studios were closed to the public so not much could get done. The release was planned for summer 2023, so I collected my focus and headed home and concentrated my energies on finding musicians on the Negril circuit,” he disclosed.
‘Make Way Rasta’ will be released six years after Clatta Bumboo launched his recording career. In 2019, he released his first EP, ‘Future Water’.