International “tropical” R&B artiste Lady Ele released her new reggae single ‘Smile With You’, featuring reggae legend Ken Boothe, a promising love song bound to be a summer hit.

On May 9, media practitioners and other guests were invited to a listening party at Tuff Gong Studios in Kingston to get the first listen of the track. It was all smiles and reggae-rocking as the listeners soaked in what the song had to give.

And give it did!

On the track the 76-year-old reggae veteran Ken Boothe serenades Lady Ele, proving that age is no force against natural talent. The ‘Red, Red Wine’ crooner declared that getting in the booth with Lady Ele was the most pleasant experience, referring to her as a “breath of fresh air”.

When asked how he felt about the track, Booth said, “I enjoyed singing with her… I’ve sung with Carlene Davis and others, and this lady now… she made my day.”

Born Eleanore Hansson, Lady Ele has Swedish & Tunisian lineage. She left the United States and has now taken residency in St. Ann, Jamaica, to pursue a music career.

Her career rocketed from singing in bands and choirs to her winning multiple talent shows in Sweden.

She also briefly worked as a background singer for a few Swedish R&B, rap and pop artistes.

Not wanting to be pigeonholed into one genre and vying to make a name for herself in R&B and Reggae fusion, Lady Ele has delved into the genre with high hopes that ‘Smile With You’ will resonate with the public.

‘Summer love duet‘

The song features soulful and poetic lyrics set to an uplifting, modern reggae rhythm. It is a delightful track that is sure to enchant fans around the globe.

‘Smile With You‘ is a perfect combination of Boothe’s legendary voice and Lady Ele’s deep melodies. The video and song work together to convey the story of lovers in their blissful relationship, with a bond so strong that they are emotionally connected.

The chorus:

“When you smile, I smile with you,

If you cry, I’ll cry with you.

As long as I’m around you, oh baby!”

Produced by MottMusicGroup and GBlack Records, the track is distributed by Tuff Gong International Limited. Lady Ele has big plans for the track and other songs in her repertoire.

More to come

Writing and recording with Ken Boothe is just the beginning. Lady Ele is set to release new music, working with Grammy-winning producers Young Pow and Lionchld.

Her upcoming EP, ‘VIRGO’, is slated to be released this year, and she promises it will be an unforgettable listen. She intends to keep to her fusion of R&B and reggae, bringing her “tropical” flair to the songs.

When asked if there will any future collabs with local talent, Lady Ele said, “Nobody can compare to Mr Boothe, but at least two reggae songs will be on the upcoming EP, including one with Buju Banton.”

“There’s more to come, and we are excited…I like to make music from the heart and songs that I can stand behind. So all the songs that you will hear will be about reality…and I believe that’s one of the core elements of reggae.” said Lady Ele.

Here are some photos from the event: