Natural Black says ‘Thank You Father’

Reggae artiste Natural Black has returned to Jamaica to release a new song, titled Thank You Father, on his own Shagillia Music imprint.

"I was in Guyana for about nine months preparing for this moment, after taking that time to focus on what I was really doing. I am now working on a new EP. Mi have a renewed commitment to reggae music and the mission," said the artiste, whose given name is Mortimer Softley. The song will be available via download on all digital platforms in July.

"This new song is just a thankful song to the Almighty for keeping me alive and strengthening me for the journey ahead. I believe the time is now to push my career to the next level. Nothing beats time," said the Guyana-born singer.

Natural Black's last international performance was in his home country during Emancipation celebrations on August 1 last year. Last month, he performed at the popular BoomBox show in the Corporate Area in Jamaica.

The It Nice singer isn't signed to any label, but has been teaming up with Frankie Music to work on his EP.

"I am doing a lot of songs and producing some myself. This is the first album I'm working on personally for my team. After learning so much, I am putting what I learned into practice," he said. Some of the songs on the EP are Happy Love, Come Back and Hustle Fi It.

He has performed to sold-out audiences in Switzerland, Germany, Holland, Austria, France, Italy and Slovenia. Natural Black has also appeared on most of the major shows and festivals in Jamaica, including Reggae Sumfest, Sting, Rebel Salute and East Fest.

In May 2012, he cut his locks because he was not living a Rastafarian lifestyle and attempted to do dancehall music, but he has returned to his reggae roots.

"It's been a long and strange journey. But reggae is the root of it all. This is where my true heart and love is, roots music, spiritual food for the people," he said.