Jahzeal Balances Roots and Modern Sound on Four Play EP
- Shaquille Richards
- Mar 4
- 3 min read
Recording artiste Jahzeal, guided by Busy Signal and working with renowned producer Lenky Marsden, highlights live instrumentation and lovers rock elements on the project. Still, he reminds fans that he “does music, not a genre,” and is also preparing a dancehall project
Rising talent Jahzeal
Reggae music carries a legacy rooted in live instrumentation, raw emotion, and storytelling that transcends generations. For Jahzeal, widely known as GRIMSINGER, honoring that tradition was not just an idea, it was a mission.
With his EP Four Play already gaining traction and his latest single “Any Season” adding momentum to his growing catalog, Jahzeal is striking a balance between paying homage to reggae’s foundation and delivering a sound that feels fresh and current.
From the inception of the project, Jahzeal and renowned producer Lenky Marsden were intentional about authenticity. The beats were crafted in a live-band style, voiced organically, and then carefully overdubbed - a deliberate creative choice.
Jahzeal honors reggae with ‘Four Play’ EP
“Reggae is a genre that brings so much feeling,” Jahzeal explained. “We wanted that part to stand out, and only live music can bring that feeling.”
The EP captures the warmth and emotional depth that define classic reggae, while its polished production keeps the sound relevant for today’s listeners.
This isn’t Jahzeal’s first time working with Lenky. Their previous collaboration on “Turn Me On” laid the foundation for a creative partnership built on mutual respect and a shared musical vision.
The inspiration to further expand his reggae catalog was solidified after performing at Reggae on the River in California. Witnessing reggae’s global impact firsthand along with guidance from his mentor Busy Signal, pushed him to deepen his roots in the genre.
“Busy showed me the impact of reggae and encouraged me to build my reggae catalog,” Jahzeal said. “As soon as I landed, I called Lenky, and we started almost immediately.”
Their studio chemistry is built on listening to each other and to the music. That collaborative approach ensures every track reaches a level of satisfaction before it’s released.
“Busy showed me the impact of reggae and encouraged me to build my reggae catalog. As soon as I landed, I called Lenky, and we started almost immediately.”
“Any Season” came together organically. While in the studio, Jahzeal heard the “Happy Wife Riddim” and was invited to be part of the production by Big Yard Music Group.
Knowing Big Yard’s reputation for delivering high-quality, impactful productions, the decision was easy. “They always do great and massive productions,” he said. “They never fail to deliver.”
Four Play carries a strong lovers rock vibe - something Jahzeal felt the genre needed right now. “Not many artistes are focusing on singing meaningful love songs for the ladies anymore,” he noted. “So hey, I can fill the gap.”
While he didn’t necessarily favor one single track to lead the project, fan response has clearly highlighted “Take It Slow” and “Call Him Back” as standout songs. On a personal level, however, “Take It Slow” holds a special place for him.
Although reggae is currently at the forefront of his releases, Jahzeal is quick to remind fans that he doesn’t limit himself to one lane “I do music, not a genre,” he clarified.
As he continues building his reggae catalog, he is also preparing something for his dancehall base - the upcoming mixtape Girls & Grim. The project promises to showcase his versatility while maintaining the strong connection he has built with the dancehall audience that has supported him over the years.
With Four Play making waves and “Any Season” expanding his reach, Jahzeal is proving that honoring reggae’s roots doesn’t mean standing still. Instead, it means evolving with feeling, intention, and authenticity at the core.
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