Protoje is back with a bang, unveiling the gripping video for his track “80’s Wild”. A timely commentary on Jamaica’s political unrest, corruption, and systemic oppression during the late ‘70s and ‘80s, the song serves as a pivotal piece of his upcoming film, The Jamaican Situation, set for release in 2025. Not only does the track appear on The Jamaican Situation: Side A (out now via In.Digg.Nation Collective/Ineffable Records), but it’s also featured as part of the official soundtrack for the film, which Protoje co-directs with SAMO.

The video, directed by SAMO, takes a bold approach with tight, intimate shots of Protoje as he effortlessly moves through various iconic Jamaican backdrops. The visuals are as politically charged as the song itself, with references to key historical moments and figures in Jamaican history, such as the tragic deaths of Jacob Miller, Bucky Marshall, and Bob Marley, displayed on vivid posters throughout the video.

“80’s Wild” – A Snapshot of Political Turmoil in Jamaica

“80’s Wild” is more than just a song—it’s part of a larger narrative Protoje is crafting around Jamaican identity, history, and social struggles. The track is deeply embedded in the themes of his upcoming directorial debut, The Jamaican Situation. Protoje describes the film as a story about “a man returning home and navigating his identity amidst the complexities of modern Jamaican life.” The music, he explains, plays a crucial role in enriching these themes, blending seamlessly into the narrative.

Protoje’s vision for the soundtrack is clear: to tell the story of his homeland through both music and film. In the 5-track EP that makes up Side A, he’s brought together some of Jamaica’s most renowned producers, including Grammy-winning IzyBeats (known for his work on Koffee’s hits “Toast” and “W”), as well as Iotosh, Ziah.Push, and Zion I Kings. Each track on Side A contributes to the wider conversation around Jamaica’s socio-political climate, offering a mixture of sounds and stories.

Exploring Love, Resilience, and Political Struggles

While “80’s Wild” captures the turbulence of Jamaica’s past, Side A also explores a range of other powerful themes. “Mariposa” (produced by Zion I Kings) is a poignant reflection on love, while “Barrel Bun” (Ziah.Push) calls for systemic change. “Where We Come From” (featuring Jahshii, produced by IzyBeats) celebrates the resilience of the Jamaican people, and “30 Million” (produced by Iotosh) addresses greed and political agendas. Together, the songs offer a multifaceted introduction to the larger Jamaican Situation project, with Side B expected to drop closer to the film’s 2025 release.

European Tour Recap & Upcoming Plans

The artiste recently wrapped up his European tour, where he brought the dub-heavy sounds of his 2023 album In Search of Zion to fans across the continent. The album features remixes and dub versions of tracks from his previous LP, In Search of Lost Time, and was produced by the legendary Zion I Kings. On tour, Protoje was joined by Tippy I Grade (one-third of Zion I Kings) for an intimate and stripped-back live dub session.