"You could of been from the royal family
But you all lack substance
And I have it in abundance
So how does it feel
When you look into a king's eyes"
So goes part of the lyrics from the award-winning Zimbabwean Afro dancehall artist Nutty O’s recent collaboration with Europe-based Caribbean artist Triniboi Joocie.
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Titled Substance, the song became available across all digital streaming platforms from October 11.
A statement released by the Joocie’s management last week describes the song as a groundbreaking single “that celebrates the deep connections between Africa and the Caribbean whilst exploring a universal message of identity, resilience and empowerment”.
“The energy behind Substance is undeniable. It’s a cross-cultural masterpiece that owners the rich historical ties between Africa and the Caribbean while pushing the boundaries of a first of its kind collaboration. Triniboi Joocie and Nutty O have crafted not just a song, but a movement — a rallying cry for everyone to remember their intrinsic value and stand tall in their purpose,” the statement reads. “The collaboration on the track was born out of a meeting between the two artists in London earlier this year. A spontaneous recording session sparked a creative connection, yielding a song that captured what Joocie says is a shared journey of self-expression and empowerment. It’s about knowing who you are, owning your story and walking proudly in your truth, but also sending a reminder to the tribe.”
Nutty O said they wanted to create “something that speaks to everyone, no matter where you are from”.
“Whether it’s Zimbabwe or Trinidad, our struggles and triumphs are universal and Substance is a celebration of that shared strength within all of us,” Nutty O said.
Joocie, real name Rodell Sorzano, was born in Port of Spain in the twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. He is known for his high-energy performances and infectious Caribbean sound and has garnered international acclaim for his ability to bring traditional Soca — an offshoot of Calypso, which developed into a popular musical style in Trinidad in the 1970s — to the global stage, while staying rooted in the rich culture of the Caribbean.
According to socanews.com, in 2022, he performed as part of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebration at Buckingham Palace backed by a 100-piece pan and ensemble. In the same year, he competed in season 11 of the Voice UK, making it to the semi-finals.
On the other hand, Nutty O has established himself as one of the leading voices in Zimbabwean music, gaining a global fan base with his bold sound and dynamic performances. The innovative Afro dancehall artist is known for his fusion of African beats with contemporary dancehall and is no stranger to international collaborations.
This year, he was among a host of African artists who contributed to the “Africa Unite” project that saw top charting artists such as Rema, Tina Savage and others, re-imagining songs that were done by Bob Marley and The Wailers.
The Handipere hitmaker features in the remake of Bob Marley’s 1979 classic So Much Trouble In The World alongside dancehall chanter Winky D.