Reviving the Spirit of Mento: The Jolly Boys Release New Single ‘Day-O’, A Tribute to Music Legends and a Toast to Jamaican Roots
Geejam Music is proud to announce the release of the Jolly Boys’ fresh single, “Day-O”, a captivating throwback to the traditional Jamaican Mento, reimagined for the modern audience.
“Yuh work all night for a drink of rum (Daylight come and me wan’ go home),” a standout line from the song, encapsulates the spirit of hard work, resilience, and joyful anticipation. It’s a rich, vibrant journey that bridges the past and the present.
Originally recorded pre-pandemic, “Day-O” is now released as a heartfelt tribute to the late Harry Belafonte, who popularized the song in the 1950s, and to honour the memory of departed Jolly Boys members: Albert Minott, Joseph “Powda” Bennett, and Derrick “Jonny” Henry.
“We are paying homage to our roots while pushing the boundaries of Mento with ‘Day-O’,” said producers Jon Baker and Dale ‘Dizzle’ Virgo. The track boasts an enhanced sonic dimension, thanks to the remarkable vocals of Nexus, a renowned Jamaican vocal group.
Continuing the Modern Mento tone established in their first album, “Great Expectations” (2010), the Jolly Boys revisit their Jamaican Mento origins, infusing it with their signature energy and flair.
“Day-O” is available for streaming on all platforms from May 19, 2023. This single release precedes the highly anticipated Jolly Boys album, also titled “Day-O”, scheduled for release in June 2023.
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For more information or inquiries, contact us at music@geejam.com.
ABOUT GEEJAM MUSIC:
Geejam Music, based in Port Antonio, Jamaica, is a premier music label dedicated to promoting Jamaican musical talent. It is also an integral part of the wider Geejam brand, which includes the luxurious Geejam Hotel and state-of-the-art Geejam Studios.
