In the chilly months of 2021, Clatta Bumboo, a Jamaican roots artist, was eagerly anticipating the completion of his debut album’s recording sessions. However, the global Covid-19 pandemic significantly impacted these plans.
Finding the recording studios in his current residence of Providence, Rhode Island, closed due to pandemic-related restrictions, Clatta Bumboo made the decision to return to Jamaica. Once there, he gathered a group of talented local musicians and initiated the recording process at the Ambassador of Choice Recording Studio, located in Westmoreland parish, his place of origin.
The combined efforts of sessions in both Jamaica and Rhode Island culminated in the creation of ‘Make Way Rasta’, an album comprising 12 songs. The album is anchored by its lead single, which shares the album’s title. Officially, the album is set to be released on November 24, under the Onerpm label.
This album marks a significant milestone in Clatta Bumboo’s music career, which he embarked upon six years ago. It follows his earlier work, an EP titled ‘Future Water’, which made its debut in 2019.
While he acknowledges the vitality of the Rhode Island reggae scene, Clatta Bumboo believes that recording in Jamaica added a genuine touch to ‘Make Way Rasta’.
“Definitely. Reggae music feels, sounds and is very different when developed in Jamaica. In the process of producing ‘Make Way Rasta’, I also learned that mixing and mastering in Jamaica matter more,” he commented.
The album was brought to life by several producers. In Jamaica, the recording sessions were overseen by keyboardist Garfield Gabay. In Rhode Island, where Clatta Bumboo has resided since 2008, he collaborated closely with DJim Job, Ray Gennari, Matthew Odabashian, and Alex Caracciolo, along with his own significant involvement in the production process.
Clatta Bumboo, originally named Sheldon Townsend, grew up immersed in classic roots-reggae music. Influences from his youth include iconic artists like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and bands such as the Soul Syndicate Band, Prince Far I, and Black Uhuru.
His album ‘Make Way Rasta’ prominently features the One Drop rhythm, a style popularized by Marley and the Wailers. Among other tracks, the album includes songs like ‘The Sound’ and ‘Give I Strength’, which he hopes will resonate with reggae enthusiasts beyond the usual markets.
Clatta Bumboo has a clear vision for his music’s reach. “First and foremost, I want the music to go to where it is welcomed and needed. If Europe takes 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 explained, emphasizing his desire to connect with audiences globally, especially those within the Jamaican and Caribbean communities.