Dukes of Roots new single inspired by love from Jamaica

Reggae supergroup Dukes of Roots’ new single, Feel the Love, was inspired by the love felt from the Jamaican community in November 2022 when the band was together in Kingston.

“The words and music came easy when collaborating with good friends in sunshine surrounded by happy loving people,” explained guitarist T Rod.

Dukes of Roots was formed during the pandemic lockdowns when T Rod wrote the first draft of the band’s first song, Try Happy. This act of creative inspiration brought together artistes from different parts of the world, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Jamaica, and the United States. The project quickly evolved into a full-length album encompassing all the elements of roots reggae while adding a touch of diversity.

The intergenerational crew which comprises legendary bassist George ‘Fully’ Fullwood, African lead singer Mermans ‘Mo Faya’ Mosengo, Grammy award-winning keyboardist Sean ‘YoungPow’ Diedrick, Grammy award-winning drummer Courtney ‘Bam’ Diedrick, and dynamic guitarist T Rod have found a way to connect cultures through music.

Fullwood, an architect in reggae’s development, has played with many of the music’s luminaries including Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Joe Higgs, The Mighty Diamonds, Black Uhuru, Dennis Brown, and Gregory Isaacs. Diedrick is a Grammy award-winning producer who spent 19 years touring the world with Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley and playing on his albums, including the 2017 Grammy award-winning Stony Hill.

Lead singer Mermans, originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and now based in Los Angeles, is a featured artiste with Playing For Change, a multi-media project that brings together singers and players of instruments from all over the world. He has performed with Toots Hibbert, Jackson Brown, Taj Mahal and Keb Mo, among others. Courtney Diedrick, one of the most celebrated (Jamaican) drummers of this generation, is a long-standing member of Damian Marley’s band. His resume also includes collaborations with Mick Jagger, Joss Stone and Dave Stewart (as part of the group SuperHeavy), Eric Clapton, Nas, and Stephen Marley.

On Friday, April 7, Dukes of Roots released their newest single, Feel the Love, via Migration Records and Young Pow Productions. The track is part of the band’s upcoming debut album, which encapsulates the essence of traditional Jamaican rhythms with a global touch.

“On Feel the Love, listeners can expect the classic Dukes of Roots sound combined with an upbeat and infectious melody, sure to have everyone dancing and feeling the love. With its uplifting and positive message, Feel the Love is an anthem for our times, spreading joy and positivity in a world that can often seem dark and difficult,” the group said of the single.

The album is set for release in 2023 via Migration Records LLC/Young Pow Productions.