Some collaborations feel calculated. Others feel destined.
For reggae star D’yani and producer Kareem “Remus” Burrell, the son of legendary Xterminator Records founder Phillip “Fatis” Burrell, their creative partnership has become one of the most exciting emerging stories in Jamaican music.
Now they’re ready to take things to another level.
The duo’s latest offering, Journey, arrives June 5 as the lead single from D’yani’s highly anticipated debut album Live Life and Prosper, and both artiste and producer believe the record represents a pivotal chapter in a partnership already generating global attention.
At its heart, Journey is exactly what its title suggests: a reflection on growth, resilience, heartbreak, triumph and everything that happens in between.
“Journey is a very personal song for me,” D’yani says.
“It came from real-life experiences — the ups, the downs, the growth, the losses, the blessings, everything that shapes you along the way. I wasn’t trying to force a story. I was simply speaking my truth.”
That authenticity has become one of D’yani’s greatest strengths.
Blessed with a soulful voice and an ability to transform personal experiences into universally relatable songs, the singer has emerged as one of reggae’s brightest young stars since breaking onto the scene in the years following the pandemic.
But according to Burrell, the magic behind Journey started long before the first note was recorded.
“Working with D’yani on Journey was a special experience because there’s a genuine chemistry between us whenever we create music,” Burrell explains.
“Nothing feels forced. We trust each other creatively, and that allows the songs to develop naturally.”
That chemistry is woven throughout the record.
Recorded at the legendary Tuff Gong Studios in Kingston, the track is elevated by soaring background vocals from Sherieta Lewis, Roselyn Williams and Tamekia Moncrieffe, whose harmonies transformed the song into something larger than anyone expected.
“The way they blended together was powerful,” Burrell recalls.
“In a way, it felt much bigger than three voices.”
The result is a record that feels both intimate and cinematic — a song that encourages reflection while remaining uplifting and accessible.
“Sonically, we wanted it to feel uplifting and soulful,” D’yani says. “Something people could reflect on but still feel good listening to.”
Building on a Global Breakthrough
The release of Journey comes at a moment when D’yani’s career appears to be gaining serious momentum.
The singer and Burrell previously struck gold with Live A Little, a breakout hit that became one of reggae’s biggest streaming success stories of recent years.
The song amassed more than seven million views on YouTube, generated millions of Spotify streams and found audiences well beyond Jamaica’s borders.
Its success even caught the attention of international superstar DJ Khaled, who repeatedly shared the song with his massive social media following.
“To date, Live A Little would be my biggest production commercially and in terms of audience growth,” Burrell says. “The song has generated 18 million streams across all digital platforms.”
More importantly, he believes the record established the artistic blueprint for everything that followed.
“Live A Little established a clear creative direction for D’yani and laid the foundation for the album we are working on.”
Carrying a Legendary Legacy
For reggae fans, the Burrell surname immediately commands respect.
Phillip “Fatis” Burrell was one of the architects of modern roots reggae, helping launch and guide the careers of artists including Luciano, Sizzla and Mikey General while building Xterminator into one of the most influential labels in Jamaican music history.
Today, his son is carrying that torch into a new era.
“Growing up around my father, I had a front-row seat to the way he approached music and artists,” Burrell says.
“More than the hits and accolades, he taught me the importance of quality, authenticity and staying true to the message in the music.”
Those lessons continue to shape Burrell’s vision for XTM.Nation, the platform through which he is building his own legacy.
“As creators, we have a responsibility to contribute something positive to the world,” he says.
“Whether it’s hope, inspiration, encouragement, or simply helping someone through a difficult moment, music can have a real impact on people’s lives.”
It’s a philosophy that aligns perfectly with D’yani’s own artistic approach.
Reggae’s Rising Leading Man
Since emerging in 2022 with Feelings (Remix) featuring Jada Kingdom, D’yani has steadily evolved from promising newcomer to one of the most recognizable faces in contemporary reggae.
A string of fan favorites including Señorita, Goddess, Birthday, Lock and Key and Ride It helped establish his reputation as a versatile artist capable of balancing romance, vulnerability and modern reggae cool.
His popularity has also translated to the stage.
Over the past few years, D’yani has become a fixture at some of the Caribbean’s biggest festivals, including Reggae Sumfest, Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, St. Kitts Music Festival, Barbados Reggae Weekend and London’s City Splash Festival.
Yet despite the growing acclaim, the singer insists he is only beginning to show audiences the full picture.
The upcoming album, Live Life and Prosper, scheduled for release this summer through UK-based Lizzy Records, promises to reveal a deeper side of his artistry.
“I’m really excited for the coming months,” D’yani says.
“Not just for people to hear more music, but for them to fully experience the world we’ve been building with Live Life and Prosper. There’s a lot more to come.”
If Journey is any indication, that world is about to get a lot bigger.
For D’yani and Remus Burrell, the road ahead may still be unfolding — but together, they’re creating the soundtrack for a journey that reggae fans everywhere will want to follow.
