Zimbabwean Reggae Artist, King Isaac’s tribute to the late Gregory Isaacs, “Cool Ruler” is the trailer track for the musical celebrating the Jamaican legend’s life. The musical, titled “Cool Ruler: The Musical” opens on May 25th at Hackney Empire in London.
By Shingi Mavima
King Isaac’s “Cool Ruler” featured on his 2011 album, Here I Go Again, and eulogizes the iconic Gregory Isaacs a year after his passing. The two had developed a strong bond during the 2000s, with Gregory Isaacs serving as a mentor for the Michigan-based Zimbabwean crooner.
The two collaborated on the acclaimed album, Isaacs Meets Isaac in 2010, which was nominated for the 2011 GRAMMY Awards—the year after Gregory Isaacs passed away. Here I Go Again was released in 2011 as well, and featured the emotional yet celebratory “Cool Ruler.”
Asked for comment about “Cool Ruler” being selected as the trailer track for the musical, King Isaac explained:
I am elated that BJ Production and The Gregory Isaacs Foundation chose my song, “Cool Ruler,” for this important role. It is a befitting tribute to Gregory Isaacs and I am humbled by the honor. Having grown up on his music, it was a rare opportunity and privilege to work with him. I am glad my tribute song to the reggae genius, Gregory Isaacs is being recognized in this way and that it will reach a wide audience, as it should.“
The honor of having his song accompany the upcoming musical has coincided with a purple patch for King Isaac. His anti-drug anthem, “Usatore Mutoriro” topped the Classic 263 annual Top 50 chart for 2024. This is the second time in three years that he has achieved this feat, with “The Score”, a collaboration with Chaka Demus, topping the same chart in 2022. King Isaac’s latest single, “Humbe Kumbe” released on New Year’s day, has been received very positively.
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