After more than a decade without a new album, reggae icon Sanchez is back — and this time, he’s teamed up with producer Kenneth Thompson of Kenergi Music Entertainment to deliver Jamdown, released April 11 via VPAL Music.
The project marks Sanchez’s first full-length album since Love You More in 2011. For Thompson, the opportunity to work with one of his longtime musical heroes was nothing short of a dream realized.
“I’ve always respected Sanchez’s work ethic and style. I had a few different artists in mind for this project, but Sanchez’s excitement and professionalism made the choice obvious,” said Thompson, who is based in New York.
Jamdown is a 10-track collection blending new material and previously written songs, shaped specifically with Sanchez’s voice in mind. Thompson, who wrote or co-wrote every track, said the creative process was effortless, thanks to his deep familiarity with Sanchez’s sound over the years.
Introduced through a mutual friend, the two quickly found common ground in their vision for the album. Tracks like Disloyalty, Hot Girls, and the title song Jamdown showcase the range and timeless appeal that have kept Sanchez a household name since the 1980s.
“My songwriting for this album pulled heavily from personal experiences and different facets of life,” Thompson explained. “Having listened to Sanchez for so long, it was easy to tailor the music to complement his voice and spirit.”
Sanchez, who first rose to fame nearly 40 years ago with the Winston Riley-produced Loneliness, remains one of reggae and dancehall’s most enduring voices. His catalogue boasts beloved anthems like End of The World, Never Dis Di Man, Fall in Love, and Old Friends — songs that continue to resonate across generations.
With Jamdown, Sanchez reaffirms his status as a masterful vocalist, and Kenneth Thompson cements his place as a producer capable of bridging eras while staying true to the music’s roots.
