Early Life and Family Background
Birth Name: Oje Ken Ollivierre
Date of Birth: June 14, 1981
Place of Birth: Saint Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica
Oje Ken Ollivierre, known professionally as Protoje, was born in Saint Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica. He hails from a musically inclined family; his mother, Lorna Bennett, is a renowned Jamaican singer and lawyer, celebrated for her 1972 hit “Breakfast in Bed.” His father, Mike Ollivierre, is a former calypso singer from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Raised in a household steeped in musical heritage, Protoje was exposed to a diverse array of musical genres from an early age, influencing his eclectic style.
Education and Musical Formation
Details about Protoje’s formal education are limited. However, his early exposure to music through his parents’ careers played a pivotal role in shaping his musical journey. In 2005, he released his debut mixtape, Lyrical Overdose Volume 1, which showcased his hip-hop influences and lyrical prowess. This mixtape marked the beginning of his professional music career.
Career Trajectory and Key Achievements
Rise to Prominence
Protoje’s debut studio album, The Seven Year Itch, released in 2011, introduced his unique blend of reggae, hip-hop, and soul. The album featured the hit single “Arguments,” which garnered significant attention in Jamaica. His second album, The 8 Year Affair (2013), included the popular tracks “Rasta Love” featuring Ky-Mani Marley and “Kingston Be Wise,” the latter of which was featured in the video game Grand Theft Auto V.
In 2015, Protoje released Ancient Future, which featured the international hit “Who Knows” featuring Chronixx. The song topped charts worldwide and has amassed over 70 million views on YouTube.
His 2018 album, A Matter of Time, received a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album. The album included the politically charged single “Blood Money,” which was selected by Jamaican radio personality and Pan-African activist Mutabaruka as the number one reggae song of 2017.
In 2020, Protoje announced a new label deal with RCA Records, allowing him greater creative control. The deal also included artists Lila Iké and Sevana, whom he had been mentoring under his own In.Digg.Nation label. Later that year, he released his fifth studio album, In Search of Lost Time, which peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.
Protoje’s sixth studio album, Third Time’s the Charm, was released in 2022 and peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart. The album further solidified his position as a leading figure in the reggae revival movement.
Major Performances and Collaborations
Protoje has performed at major festivals worldwide, including Coachella (USA), Glastonbury (UK), Afropunk (USA), Reading & Leeds (UK), Sole DXB (Dubai), and Lollapalooza (Chile). He has also toured with Ms. Lauryn Hill, reaching audiences far and wide with his genre-fusing sound.
In 2020, Protoje collaborated with Chronixx on a remix of Alicia Keys’ song “Underdog,” further showcasing his versatility and international appeal.
Discography Highlights
- Lyrical Overdose Volume 1 (2005) – Mixtape
- The Seven Year Itch (2011) – Debut Album
- The 8 Year Affair (2013) – Second Album
- Ancient Future (2015) – Third Album
- A Matter of Time (2018) – Fourth Album
- In Search of Lost Time (2020) – Fifth Album
- Third Time’s the Charm (2022) – Sixth Album
Influences and Artistic Evolution
Protoje’s music is characterized by a fusion of traditional Jamaican reggae with elements of hip-hop, soul, and jazz. His lyrics often address social and political issues, reflecting his commitment to conscious messaging. Influenced by artists such as Bob Marley, Nas, and Lauryn Hill, Protoje has been instrumental in the “Reggae Revival” movement, which seeks to return to the roots of reggae music while incorporating contemporary sounds.
Personal Life and Advocacy
In addition to his musical career, Protoje is a vocal advocate for social justice and cultural preservation. He founded the In.Digg.Nation Collective, a label and management company that supports emerging Jamaican artists. Through this platform, he has mentored artists such as Lila Iké and Sevana, promoting a new generation of conscious musicians.
Recognition and Legacy
Protoje’s contributions to music have earned him critical acclaim and numerous accolades. His album A Matter of Time received a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album, and his single “Blood Money” was recognized as one of the top reggae songs of 2017. He continues to be a leading figure in the reggae revival movement, influencing both the Jamaican music scene and the global music landscape.
