Smarty Le Drae has dropped his latest single – Redemption Song – as a huge tribute to the late reggae legend Bob Marley as the world celebrates the Bob Marley Day.

The Cameroonian singer released the new song at midnight on May 11 under his label, Dream Records.

“I want to thank my label for believing in me. To the Cameroonian dance-hall king BenZil for his vocal contribution on the song. To Egbe, Magic Fingaz and Arrey Etang for working with me on this song. I also want to thank my foorish brother Bine Moukouri for my cover art and promo package. Happy Bob Marley Day to everyone,” Smarty tells us.

We catch up with him for a few more questions about the new song and here’s how the chat goes:

1. How long have been working on this song?

“Redemption Song” was recorded in February but I didn’t finish working on it because I had to attend the YALI West Africa Fellowship in Ghana. So when I returned, I came over to Douala last week and finished the recording and final process. So basically it didn’t take too long to work on it, just that I was very inconsistent.

2. Why the title “Redemption Song”?

Egbe, the producer sent me the beat during a period when I was faced with some sort of depression (if u listen to the lyrics carefully, you’ll understand) and immediately, I called my brother, Arrey Etang and explained to him the concept I wanted to realize on the song. He wrote the first part EXACTLY the way I wanted, expressing the exact emotions I wanted to express and I fell in love with the hook. When I finished writing the song,  I maintained the hook and the title.

Redemption Song explains the life of a young guy (myself) who is faced with a lot of challenges during his journey towards fame. Whereby when he’s in public with a smile on, onlookers cheer for him, thinking everything is ok. But when he gets home or when he’s all alone, depression and reality sets in. Since he trusts in God and his family and fans have love for him, he’ll sing this Redemption Song to keep him going.

3. Why drop it on Bob Marley Day?

Well, here’s one crazy thing… I usually don’t plan or overthink when it comes to releasing my songs.  I just said to myself, Bob Marley Day is around the corner, the song is entitled Redemption Song, its got a reggae vibe going on and it’ll be relevant if i drop it then, in a bid to pay homage to the reggae legend.

4. What impact has Bob Marley on your life and career?

My dad (of blessed memory) used to listen to Bob like a lot. SMH… and definitely we were forced to get used to his songs. Redemption Song , One Love, Buffalo Soldier etc are a few of my favorite songs. And I know for a fact that my dad would have been so happy and proud of me. I miss him though. Well, I personally think Bob Marley has influenced most successful artists, past and present. His music is timeless and in one way or another inspires me. But as for him influencing my lifestyle, well let me just say I am about to dread my hair and …roll a joint someday. Lol.

Listen to “Redemption Song” by Smarty Le Drae below:

https://soundcloud.com/smarty237/redemption-song