Jamaican music icons Shabba Ranks and Buju Banton are set to conquer Hollywood alongside acclaimed filmmaker and musician Jeymes Samuel in his upcoming movie, "The Book of Clarence." Samuel, who serves as the director, writer, producer, and composer of the film, has orchestrated a groundbreaking collaboration featuring Lil Wayne, Shabba Ranks, and Buju Banton for the film's soundtrack, with the first track, "Hallelujah Heaven," making waves.
Both Shabba Ranks and Buju Banton have left an indelible mark on the global music scene, each contributing to the reggae and dancehall genres with their unique styles. Shabba Ranks, known for his charismatic stage presence and dancehall hits, and Buju Banton, whose powerful reggae sound resonates globally, bring their Jamaican musical legacy to Hollywood in this unprecedented venture.
In a statement, Jeymes Samuel expressed his enthusiasm for working with these legendary artists, emphasizing that their collaboration on "Hallelujah Heaven" was a seamless fusion of talents. The inclusion of Lil Wayne, who delivers the memorable line "Me Shabba Buju, the holy ghost will probably spook you" in the track, adds an exciting dimension to the musical ensemble. (*Shop Jamaican art here)
Jamaicans, both at home and abroad, take pride in this achievement, celebrating the recognition of their musical culture on the global stage. The anticipation for the movie's release is palpable, especially with the stellar cast that includes LaKeith Stanfield, Omar Sy, RJ Cyler, Alfre Woodard, David Oyelowo, Teyana Taylor, Anna Diop, James McAvoy, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Michael Ward.
Scheduled to hit theaters in January 2024, "The Book of Clarence" promises an engaging narrative centered around Clarence, a regular man living in Jerusalem in 33 AD, who crosses paths with Jesus Christ and decides to become a messiah himself.
The soundtrack, as hinted by "Hallelujah Heaven," is set to be equally impressive, featuring contributions from renowned artists such as Jay-Z, Kid Cudi, Jorge Ben Jor, Adekunle Gold, Jorja Smith, Yemi Alade, and more. Samuel's track record of collaborating with Jamaican artists is noteworthy, as seen in his previous work on Netflix's hit film, "The Harder They Fall," where he collaborated with Barrington Levy and Koffee for the soundtrack.
As the release date of "The Book of Clarence" approaches, the world awaits a cinematic and musical experience that seamlessly blends Jamaican musical legends with Hollywood glamour. Stay tuned for a journey that promises to captivate the senses and celebrate the richness of Jamaican musical heritage.
