‘Born in Jamaica’ dubbed second national anthem

Reggae giant Beres Hammond and young torch-bearers Jesse Royal and MediSun have joined forces on a hot new single, ' Born in Jamaica', a cultural anthem wrapped in warmth and melody.

The hook alone -- " Born in Jamaica, weh di sumn come from" -- has listeners buzzing. Jesse Royal calls it "Jamaica's second national anthem".

Beres Hammond, the man behind the line, told THE STAR how it came to life in a studio session during a writer's camp in Ocho Rios, hosted by music executive Natalie Prospere.

"The song had a vibe, I liked what they played and they asked me, 'Record sumn Uncle B', and I immediately belted 'Born in Jamaica weh the sumn come from' [and], they all loved it," Beres Hammond said.

"From there, I laid down some more lines to the hook and added a verse, and I guess with the atmosphere in Ochi, it inspired a few lines [such as] 'Just feel the breeze, children dancing in the street,'"he shared.

The track, which appears on Friends Only: Volume 1, was given a powerful new push on Independence Day, August 6, with the release of its visuals -- a rich tapestry of Jamaican life: donkey rides in the countryside, market vendors in full swing, children at play, and the radiant smiles of the people.

The video doesn't just showcase Jamaica's beauty -- it celebrates unity. Jesse, Beres, and MediSun stand as living proof of reggae's intergenerational bond.

"I'm always supporting the younger generation once their message is meaningful and spreads love, peace and happiness. I love making happy music that will stand the test of time," said Beres Hammond.

For MediSun, the moment was life-changing. "Being under 'Fadda Beres' wings has been transformative. Just his presence and perspective -- it was the perfect infusion. A natural vibration," said the Grammy-winning songwriter, who was raised in Boston but grew up immersed in Caribbean culture.

Jesse Royal echoed the joy.

"Everybody is excited about the looks from the visuals of just how we showcase Jamaica and show the real side a Jamaica and we're excited to keep on pushing and we expect to see it on way more platforms worldwide," he said.

"We're really and truly grateful to represent and show off Jamaica through this showcase... Born in Jamaica is a song that comes through us, but it's not necessarily a song that's just for us - it's a representation of all the proud Jamaicans, both far and near,"Jesse Royal said.

"For me, Born in Jamaica is about reminding the people that we special. Mi call it 'Jahmekyah' because we're cut from a different cloth."

With the video already making waves online, Jesse Royal said the reception has been "lovely".

We're really and truly grateful to represent and show off Jamaica through this showcase," Jesse Royal said.