In 2010, Protoje began working with his cousin and popular Jamaican producer Don Corleon. After releasing "Dread", "JA" and "Roll" in 2010, Protoje's debut album, entitled The Seven Year Itch, was released in 2011. The first single off the album dubbed "Arguments" (2009) was responsible for his early popularity in Jamaica. In 2011, he released another single off the album entitled "Rasta Love" featuring Ky-Mani Marley.
His second album, The 8 Year Affair, was released in 2013. "Who Dem A Program" was the first single released from the album followed by "This Is Not A Marijuana Song". "Kingston Be Wise" was heavily promoted via traditional and social media. Protoje cited reggae artist Ini Kamoze and group Black Uhuru as influences when recording the album.
His third album Ancient Future is set for release in September 2014
The 8 Year Affair
Protoje Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Meeting up along this journey
As I express what’s going on in this mind of mine
And sharing this time with I, you know?
Let’s go
I've always made it clear
That you would be here with me in this Eight Year Affair
‘Cause I will be there, no burden you alone shall bear
I've always made it clear
That you would be there with me in this Eight Year Affair
So don't ever worry now
Don't ever worry now
The spirit of Jacob, the spirit of Hugh
Spirit of Macintosh, that spirit never moved
The spirit of Marley, yeah that spirit fought
You have the spirit of Walter, oh they will assault you
Sit and pick apart too, you know the biggest mouth
Deh pon dem freedom of speech, we have freedom of thought
Seven Year Itch drop, nuh even cuss a “claat”
But you still coulda feel the passion him a talk
I hear the trouble coming, I say the trouble start
Empresses and princesses, battles for hearts
Knowing all that I want deh right within ma grasp
And only my fault can break this thing apart
And so I see my weaknesses when I see my past
And I see they façade, that’s why me go so hard
And knowing all these rivers that Jah get me ‘cross
And so I never lost
I’ve got to keep it in my lane ‘cause all the praise you gain
Can be taken all the same, I've seen it happen to Usain
That made no sense to me because look at his resume
Ready to say you finish just ‘cause of a second place
Well I guess those are the problems that the legends face
Imagine staring at the mirror in a legend’s face
They say get used to it, I’m moving at a legend’s pace
In any case, what is a legend in this present maze?
Six days of voicing, no rest until the seventh day
Then drop the album pon dem, hoping say it resonate
Because things set a way, my mind up in this present state
Sorry I made you wait
I’d like to welcome you to ‘The 8 Year Affair’
Yes
And I thank you for being here with I&I, you know?
Along this journey
The opening lines of Protoje's "The 8 Year Affair" introduce the listener to a conversation between the artist and the audience. Protoje acknowledges that they have been on a journey together and he shares what's on his mind while thanking his audience for sharing this time with him. The song title refers to a long relationship that has lasted eight years with the promise that it will continue into the future. Protoje assures his partner that he will always be there and their relationship will not be a burden on one person alone.
Protoje goes on to make a comparison between himself and other Jamaican icons, suggesting that he is following in their spiritual path. He mentions Jacob, Hugh, Macintosh, Marley, and Walter, each of whom had a strong spirit that never wavered. The song then dives into discussing the passion that Protoje has for his music and the battle to remain relevant as a legend. He reflects on the river that has guided him throughout his career, and how he has never lost his way.
The final part of the song is a gesture of gratitude to the audience for their patience and support, as Protoje unveils "The 8 Year Affair" to the world. He welcomes listeners on this journey and thanks them for being part of his growth.
Line by Line Meaning
Here we are once more
We meet again on our journey
Meeting up along this journey
Encountering each other on this path we share
As I express what’s going on in this mind of mine
Sharing my thoughts with you
And sharing this time with I, you know?
Spending this moment together
Let’s go
Moving forward
I've always made it clear
I have consistently stated
That you would be here with me in this Eight Year Affair
You are my partner for these 8 years
So you should have no fear
Do not be afraid
‘Cause I will be there, no burden you alone shall bear
I will be with you, you do not need to carry the load alone
So don't ever worry now
Do not worry anymore
The spirit of Jacob, the spirit of Hugh
Inspired by Jacob and Hugh's spirit
Spirit of Macintosh, that spirit never moved
Macintosh's spirit remains strong
The spirit of Marley, yeah that spirit fought
Marley's spirit fought for what he believed in
You have the spirit of Walter, oh they will assault you
You possess the spirit of Walter, and they will attack you
Sit and pick apart too, you know the biggest mouth
Critics will dissect your work
Deh pon dem freedom of speech, we have freedom of thought
They have freedom of speech, but we have freedom of thought
Seven Year Itch drop, nuh even cuss a “claat”
Released Seven Year Itch without using any curse words
But you still coulda feel the passion him a talk
You can still feel the passion in his words
I hear the trouble coming, I say the trouble start
I sense the impending problems
Empresses and princesses, battles for hearts
Women fighting for love
Knowing all that I want deh right within ma grasp
Everything I want is within my reach
And only my fault can break this thing apart
I am responsible for breaking it apart
And so I see my weaknesses when I see my past
Reflecting on my past reveals my weaknesses
And I see they façade, that’s why me go so hard
I see through their pretense, which motivates me to work harder
And knowing all these rivers that Jah get me ‘cross
Knowing the difficulties I have overcome with Jah's help
And so I never lost
I never gave up
I’ve got to keep it in my lane ‘cause all the praise you gain
I need to stay focused on my path despite praise
Can be taken all the same, I've seen it happen to Usain
Praise can be lost, seen in Usain Bolt's experiences
That made no sense to me because look at his resume
Usain's accolades make it nonsensical for him to lose praise
Ready to say you finish just ‘cause of a second place
People ready to disregard second place finishes
Well I guess those are the problems that the legends face
Challenges faced by those considered legends
Imagine staring at the mirror in a legend’s face
Reflecting on yourself as a legend
They say get used to it, I’m moving at a legend’s pace
Advice to become comfortable moving at a legend's pace
In any case, what is a legend in this present maze?
Defining what constitutes a legend in today's society
Six days of voicing, no rest until the seventh day
Six days of work, no rest until the seventh day
Then drop the album pon dem, hoping say it resonate
Releasing the album, hoping it has an impact
Because things set a way, my mind up in this present state
Things are set a certain way, and I am in this state of mind
Sorry I made you wait
Apologizing for making you wait
I’d like to welcome you to ‘The 8 Year Affair’
Introducing you to 'The 8 Year Affair'
And I thank you for being here with I&I, you know?
Thanking you for being here with me
Along this journey
On this path together
Contributed by Emily I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Vineet Ohol
i love this guy. its almost like he writes songs based on my thoughts nd situations. Protoje you are one of the best brother
Iuri Semedo
i will always be back to this album,amazing feelings every single time! greetings from portugal!
gustavo garcia
big protoje!!! always is a pleasure!!!
Don Goliath
One good thing about Corona: I've been mad busy in the studio and got several new 90s Dancehall riddims ready. Come check 'em.
BMO I Dayzen
Big tunes !!!
Ja Luke
I never worry about where can I find Good music no more.... cuz protege is here....🇬🇳🇬🇳up move 🇬🇳🇬🇳
Tony Tyson
I'm really worried that protoje may not top these works. I'm not certain I can be more musically satisfied. This is so addictive have to pinch myself back to reality....
Shhhh 🤫
Stimulate your senses with the voice of positivity
Gadaphi Archie
big big tune
Ragnar Lodbrok
que bueno eres...que bueno...ohh yeah rastafair