International Reggae Artist Eljai Release His Sophomore Album I Know
Reggae Fans get ready: A new album from international superstar Eljai is coming.
Early Thursday, Eljai updated his social media accounts to indicate that a new project called “I Know,” apparently with the subtitle “The Journey Continues,” would be released on March 12. A link on his website allowed fans to add the album in advance to their collections on streaming music services, and his site is selling four “poses” — versions, or at least bundles — of boxed sets for the album, containing items like T-shirts, posters and a collectible box.
“I Know” will be Eljai’s second solo studio album since “Da Rebirth” in 2006. But he has released other material since then, including “Blessed,” his joint project with Capleton, in 2008; “The Wilderness” (2009), a project with General Degree and songs like “Seperate Lives” (2009), which went to the top of the British Reggae Charts for 11 weeks at number 1, “Wise Up” (2010), which appeared in the DVD Movie “The Streets” and was nominated for an Caribbean Music Award.
Surprise, Surprise, Surprise
Most surprising is that Eljai teed up “I Know” in advance at all. Back in 2006, he blew up the music industry’s marketing playbook by releasing his visual album “Da Rebirth” with no notice, simply telling fans via social media that it was available to purchase. The album, and its novel method of release, became a global news story, demonstrating the power of superstars on social media to corral their fans and bend the rules of the business to their favor. For years after, artists and their record companies sought to “pull an Eljai” and repeat his success. Of course, only Eljai could pull it off again, as she did in 2010 with “Wise Up.”
To Eljai’s superfans in the Jah Mix Family, who constantly scour the internet for any clues about their hero, the news about “I Know” was not a total surprise. In recent days, fans have tweeted about the registration of what appear to be new Eljai songs on industry databases, like the one for ASCAP, the licensing agency for songwriters and music publishers, and BMI. Hints were also posted on Asani Ali Music Facebook and Twitter Pages.
Meet Eljai
ELJAI was born Lloyd Carlton McFarlane Jr. in Belize City, Belize. ELJAI has always been known for his humble and kind ways, joyous laughter and his spiritual enlightening conversations. At the age of five, ELJAI’s family moved back to Belize City where he attended the Ebenezer Primary School Here he met new friends and discovered his hidden musical talent. ELJAI began singing at school rallies and contests. His talent developed rapidly and he was encouraged by his friends and family to pursue his career in music. In the late 1980s ELJAI moved to Los Angeles, California.
Early Releases
In 1989, ELJAI released the EP Give Your Loving To Me, in his native country, Belize. The song, written by ELJAI, sky rocketed on the charts and introduced him as a major artist. ELJAI continued to grow and develop his fan base. Later that year ELJAI was asked by a friend to be a guest artist on the Pupa Curly’s “Free Mandela single. In the early 90s Carl MacGregor, the producer of his first EP, introduced ELJAI to Kerry Gordy, the son of the legendary founder of Motown Records, Berry Gordy. After the meeting, the group Belize was formed with ELJAI, Carl and Delly McGregor.
Connect With Eljai
ELJAI and Belize continued to hone their writing skills. They were soon signed to Prince’s Paisley Park label where they recorded their first album. Belize was later signed to Warner Brothers where they wrote and released “I’m Looking Out For You,” the theme song for the TV show, Real Stories Of The Highway Patrol.
His debut CD, Da Rebirth was recorded in 2006 with the production help of musician / producer Fabian Cooke (Born Jamericans / Ziggy Marley / Lion King soundtrack) and master drummer, Carlton “Santa” Davis (Peter Tosh, Soul Syndicate, Ziggy Marley).
I am overjoyed to be releasing this new album for my fans and to be working with a company with a historic legacy such as Asani Ali Music.
Eljai
Entertainer
ELJAI had another breakthrough year in 2008 performing on the Caribbean Sea Breeze Festival in California, Panamanian Reggae Festival in New York, Chicago Park Festival and Labor Day Fest in Los Angeles. He hit the Jamaican charts for the very first time with his first single “Don’t Leave”. The video was number one on R.E.T.V. MVP Top 10 Reggae Charts and bubbling on CVM Hitlist Top 5 Reggae Charts. “Don’t Leave” was released as a single distributed by TADs International and the rhythm entitled ‘Drop It’ is produced by Flava on the No Doubt Label. Other artistes featured on the rhythm includes Reggae giants Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths, Jah Cure, Etana, Chuck Fenda, Morgan Heritage, and Lutan Fyah.
Now his Sophomore Album “I Know”, a long awaited project will be available to everyone on Friday. “I Know” is distributed by Asani Ali Music through their parent company Believe Digital Worldwide and can be found on all major digital platforms.
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