PROTOJE ON HIS UPCOMING ALBUM, THE EVOLUTION OF LOST IN TIME, AND TAKING THE FRESH SOUNDS TO THE UK [2026 INTERVIEW]
Protoje Interview: In the heart of Kingston, a new tradition is taking root, bridging the gap between the legends of the past and the pioneers of the future. Following the expansion of his celebrated Lost in Time festival into a two-day odyssey, Protoje remains at the forefront of a movement that refuses to be static. Fresh off monumental stage shares with Damian and Stephen Marley, the “Reggae Revival” figurehead is preparing to unveil a project four years in the making—a new album that promises a mature take on his signature sound.
In this candid conversation, Protoje reflects on the profound impact of his “distant mentors,” the seamless symmetry between Reggae and Dancehall, and the meticulous craft behind his upcoming record. From scouting the next generation of R&B-influenced talent to the deliberate shift toward live musicianship, he discusses why this era feels like a turning point for Jamaican music. As he prepares to cross the Atlantic for a highly anticipated UK tour to give fans an exclusive first listen, Protoje opens up about the quiet moments with Chronixx, the marriage of Reggae and Hip Hop influences, and his unwavering mission to cement Kingston as the undisputed global capital of the genre.
You’ve just recently celebrated Lost in Time, but it was a two-day event this time. How did the festival go and what was your highlight?
First of all, it was amazing. It was two days of great turnout both days. There were just so many moments, I think. For me, Damian and Stephen Marley joining me on stage was a big moment because they’ve had a profound impact on my development as an artist. To actually share that moment with them is like a proper full circle moment. And then to see Chronixx return—or as he says, and he will be again—to the stage in Jamaica was also special because I know he’s waited so long, and for him to give us that first performance at that festival was really epic for us.
In what ways do you feel the Marleys have been influential? Is it more on a personal or inspirational level, or physically working with them?
Well, it was both, but more on a personal level. I told them one time that they were like my distant mentors—people mentoring me without even doing it. And then in recent years, it’s been more hands-on; both of them are on my new album that’s coming out. I played with Stephen Marley in Dallas for his show, and Damian called me on for his set at Boomtown. So it was just being like that, working with them this past year in honour, guidance, and inspiration.
That sounds amazing. I was actually going to ask you—have we got any secret information that you can tell me a bit about the album?
That song is crazy, you know? It’s so emotional. It is like vintage Stephen Marley. We have that, we have Shenseea on the album on a reggae “one drop” track, and we have Masicka on a 90s Dancehall vibe. The features are crazy, and there are one or two surprise features on there as well.
It’s funny you say that because, going back to Lost in Time, you had so many Dancehall legends pop out. From afar, people think they are two separate genres, but you blend them perfectly. Is that a thought-out process for you to bring the two together?
I wouldn’t say it’s a process, it’s just natural. It’s like if I’m hanging with Popcaan—we’re just hanging, it’s all cool. Then it’s like, “Yo, we should work on something.” Lots of people in Dancehall respect and love reggae, and reggae artists respect and love Dancehall. The symmetry of it isn’t there with everything because some stuff exists in a different world, but there’s always a point where they can merge. That’s always been the case throughout the history of Jamaican music. Me and Masicka know how to do a song together and it doesn’t seem out of place.
JOIN THE INNER CIRCLE
This interview is part of our long-form content series, now hosted exclusively on our Substack. To read the full conversation with Protoje and gain access to our archive of deep-dives into the architects of Hip Hop and global culture, head over to the Viper Substack.
[READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE]
Photos by Yannick Reid and Reid Waters
Interview by Lily Mercer
