Kingston, Jamaican-born reggae recording singer Elihu Morris, known to fans as “The Prince of Lover’s Rock,” is making waves again with his latest project, “Broken Silence.”
“The 17-track album, with its deeply spiritual and soulful songs,“ was co-produced with Morris’s friend and longtime collaborator Andrew Campbell, New York-based Jamaican entertainment promoter Anthony “ER Guru“ Turner told Caribbean Life on Monday.
Morris also told Caribbean Life that he “always believed that music was not just something I love, but something I am called to do.
“I learned that music was a purpose for me by watching a Friday entertainment program called ‘Where It’s At‘ on JBC TV in Jamaica, where the artists that were popular would come on the program,“ he said. “I looked forward to it every Friday.“
Morris said “‘ Broken Silence‘ is about speaking truth after years of reflection, struggle and growth.
“It’s about healing through music,“ he added.
Morris, christened Errol Courtney Morris, said he grew up in Craigstown, Kingston.
He recalled listening to jukeboxes and sound systems that played in the neighborhood.
Morris said he was inspired by artists such as The Stylistics, The Impressions, The Chi-Lites, Billy Paul, Smokey Robinson, Ken Booth, Alton Ellis and Bob Marley.
“They shaped my artistic vision,“ he said.
Turner said that vision “shines brightly in ‘Broken Silence,‘ which incorporates roots reggae and Lover’s Rock sounds.”
Popular songs on the disc include “Any Little Man,” “How You Cold So,” “Turmoil,“ and “God and Me.“
“Each song carries Elihu’s warm vocals and his ability to tell a compelling story,“ Turner said.
Morris told Caribbean Life about his name Elihu: “I was at my home with the team, and we were talking about things that we wanted to upgrade. At the time, I was using my name Courtney Morris. And yeah, we were brainstorming. The name was one of them.
“I was thinking of something with more meaning, you know, that represents the journey,“ Morris added. “My granddad came in. I didn’t even know he was listening, and he said, ‘Any name change has to be Elihu.‘
“This man is a biblical man – constantly into the scriptures, 100 %,“ Morris continued. “He even went to Europe to study to be a minister. That is how I got the name.”
Morris said the title track, “Broken Silence,“ has a deep spiritual meaning.
“It’s about communication with God,“ he said, “and what I’ve learned on my journey.“
Morris said some of the tracks were recorded in Massachusetts.
He said the video for “On Your Side of Town“ was taped in Kolkata, India last year.
“I honored my East Indian heritage,“ Morris said. “Understanding my multicultural background enriches my music and allows me to offer more of myself to fans.”
He said “Broken Silence“ reaffirms his place in reggae and redefines it with an obvious message. “Silence is meant to be broken,“ Morris said.
