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Alborosie

Biography

Alberto D'Ascola, professionally known as Alborosie, was born on July 4, 1977, in Marsala, Sicily, Italy. Growing up in a vibrant musical environment with a deep appreciation for Jamaican culture, he was inspired by reggae legends such as Bob Marley, Burning Spear, and Peter Tosh. He taught himself to play multiple instruments including guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and percussion. At just 15 years old in 1993, Alborosie joined the Italian reggae band Reggae National Tickets (billing himself as Stena), which became the first Italian band to perform at major Jamaican festivals like Sunsplash and Sumfest in the 1990s, selling over 200,000 records across Europe.

In 2001, Alborosie made a life-changing decision to leave the band and relocate to Kingston, Jamaica, to immerse himself in the birthplace of reggae music and pursue a solo career. The transition was challenging, and he famously acquired his stage name by combining "Al" from his first name with "Borosie," a Jamaican term that was initially used derisively toward him. He quickly became integrated into Jamaica's music scene, working as an engineer at Gee Jam Studios in Portland under the mentorship of legendary producer Clifton "Specialist" Dillon, where he collaborated with numerous international and local artists. His breakthrough came in 2006 with the single "Herbalist," which David Rodigan named best song of the year, followed by his critically acclaimed debut album "Soul Pirate" in 2008.

Alborosie has established himself as the first Italian reggae artist to achieve international recognition and the first white artist to be distributed by Bob Marley's Tuff Gong label in Jamaica. Known for his distinctive deep, gravelly voice and authentic production style, he has released numerous successful albums including "Escape from Babylon" (2010), "2 Times Revolution" (2011), and "Freedom & Fyah" (2016). His music addresses socio-political issues, justice, faith, and love, earning him respect throughout the reggae industry and solidifying his status as the Italian Reggae Ambassador. Alborosie continues to bridge cultural gaps and contribute significantly to the global reggae movement.

Fun Facts

  • Alborosie acquired his stage name from a derogatory Jamaican term 'Borosie' (a sharper reading of 'jerk') that was thrown at him early in his Kingston career, which he reclaimed and combined with 'Al' from his first name.
  • He is the first Italian reggae artist to achieve international recognition and the first white artist to be distributed by Bob Marley's Tuff Gong label in Jamaica.
  • Reggae National Tickets, the Italian band Alborosie performed in during his teens, was the first Italian band to perform at major Jamaican festivals Sunsplash and Sumfest in the 1990s, selling over 200,000 records.
  • Alborosie left everything behind in Italy—his family, girlfriend, and possessions—to pursue his musical dreams in Jamaica after being inspired during a single performance at Reggae Sunsplash.

Associated Acts

  • Reggae National Tickets (1993–2006)

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Clifton 'Specialist' Dillon - Legendary reggae producer who recognized Alborosie's talent and offered him work at Gee Jam Studios, serving as his primary mentor in production and studio work (Gee Jam Studios productions and mentorship) [Mid-2000s onwards]
  • Bob Marley and the Wailers - Primary musical inspiration and stylistic influence from early childhood (Reggae catalog) [Childhood inspiration]
  • Burning Spear and Peter Tosh - Key reggae legends who inspired Alborosie's musical direction and approach to roots reggae (Reggae catalog) [Childhood inspiration]

Key Collaborators

  • Ky-mani Marley - Collaborated on reggae productions and recordings (Burnin' and Lootin', XXL Riddim) [2000s]
  • Kabaka Pyramid - Reggae fraternity collaborator (Various reggae projects) [2000s-2020s]
  • Protoje - Reggae fraternity collaborator (Various reggae projects) [2000s-2020s]
  • U-Roy - Collaborated on reggae recordings (Precious) [2000s]
  • Sizzla - Collaborated on multiple reggae productions (XXL Riddim, Meditation) [2000s]
  • Gentleman - Collaborated on reggae productions (XXL Riddim, Celebration) [2000s]
  • Luciano - Collaborated on reggae productions (XXL Riddim) [2000s]
  • Sly & Robbie - Collaborated with legendary reggae musicians (Various projects) [2000s-2010s]
  • Capleton - Collaborated with reggae icon (Various projects) [2000s-2010s]
  • Manu Chao - Recorded at Gee Jam Studios during artist's visit to Jamaica (Studio recordings) [2000s]
  • Reggae National Tickets - Italian reggae band where Alborosie performed as member under stage name Stena (Band recordings and European tours) [1993-2001]

Connection Network

Current Artist
Collaborators
Influenced
Mentors
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Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
Soul Pirate 2008-01-01 Album
Escape From Babylon 2010-04-15 Album
Bugiardo 2007 Album
Il Sogno Eretico 2011-01-01 Album
Hecho en Jamaica 2024-11-07 Album
Unbreakable: Alborosie Meets The Wailers United 2018-06-29 Album
Freedom & Fyah 2016-05-20 Album
Hecho en Jamaica 2024-11-07 Album
Temple Road (Extended) 2024-03-22 Album
Everyday Life, Everyday People 2018-07-13 Album

Top Tracks

  1. Kingston Town (Soul Pirate)
  2. Herbalist (Soul Pirate)
  3. Still Blazin (feat. Alborosie) (Kush & Orange Juice)
  4. Danza della pioggia (feat. Alborosie) (FAME)
  5. No Cocaine (Escape From Babylon)
  6. Still Blazing (Soul Pirate)
  7. 2 Mins of Pain (feat. Alborosie)
  8. Contradiction (feat. Chronixx) (Unbreakable: Alborosie Meets The Wailers United)
  9. Natural Mystic (feat. Ky-Mani Marley) (Soul Pirate)
  10. Stepping Out (feat. David Hinds) (Specialist Presents Alborosie & Friends)

Tags: #dancehall, #dub, #reggae

Heard on WWOZ

Alborosie has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Dec 28, 202520:27Ipanemafrom IpanemaSpirits of Congo Squarew/ Baba Geno
Nov 30, 202523:47Calling Selassiefrom Nine MileWhat's Neww/ Duane Williams