Protoje’s 2011 debut the ‘7 Year Itch’ soundtracked his journey from potential college graduate to reggae artist. Concept album number two, titled the ‘8 Year Affair’, charts a new journey: towards a more serious roots and culture vibration – yet maintaining its predecessor’s instinct for an infectious hook and a radio-friendly feel.
Protoje and producer cousin Corleon began the project prior to their 2012 European tour. But witnessing a Barrington Levy performance and seeing how Oje’s love of early 80s Sly & Robbie productions was reciprocated abroad led them to revisit and inject this era into its sound. Meanwhile the carefree lyrical hedonism of Itch has given way to the gifted deejay and sufficient singer’s overt championing of Rastafari themes.