Singer V Merchant to Release 'We Will Rise' Debut Album

It took singer V Merchant two years to complete We Will Rise, his debut album. A 13-song mix of roots and lovers rock reggae, it contains previously-released singles and collaborations with high-profile acts.

We Will Rise was released early this year. According to V Merchant, a resident of Toronto, Canada, “It feels like a triumph and an accomplishment to have my first album out.”

The title track and Warzone are the songs already released. We Will Rise, which features Sizzla, recalls the controversial standoff between police and Rastafarians on Holy Thursday, 1963 which saw eight persons killed.

Warzone was inspired by an even bloodier event — the May, 2010 West Kingston incursion, where Jamaican security forces entered that community hunting for area don, Christopher “Dudus” Coke.

Over 70 people were killed in that three-day clash with supporters of Coke who was deported to the United States where he is serving a life sentence.

V Merchant, who is from Trelawny is executive producer for the album which has a traditional reggae feel.

“I aimed for a rich and traditional drum and bass sound with tasteful lyrics that appeal to both the young and old. I hope the music and its message captivates the youth and resonate with the elders,” he said.

Veteran musicians including saxophonist Dean Fraser and The Firehouse Crew worked on We Will Rise. V Merchant also collaborates with Capleton, Dehva Don and Doreno on High Grade.

That song addresses another landmark event in Jamaica — the movement to decriminalize marijuana in the country which began in 2015.