Protoje Honors Soundsystem Culture With New Song, ‘BIG 45’: Watch

Reggae artist Protoje has released his latest single, BIG 45, today (March 7), on the In.Digg.Nation Collective/Ineffable Records label. The track, a tribute to Jamaican soundsystem culture, is accompanied by a music video directed by SAMO.

Produced by The Indiggnation and Winta James—who also worked on Protoje’s hits Who Knows with Chronixx and Switch It Up with Koffee—BIG 45 blends bass-heavy rhythms with Protoje’s signature lyrical style. The song was first teased at live shows and on social media, generating strong enthusiasm from fans.

The video showcases Protoje and his crew transporting iconic speaker boxes through the streets, a nod to the role of soundsystem culture in shaping reggae music.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the song, Protoje said: “BIG 45’ is a reggae and dancehall anthem…it’s talking about soundsystem, it’s talking about live music. This song came up whilst I was in soundcheck in Germany. My band started to play a vibe and I connected with it. The moment we started it, everybody got excited because we knew it was one of those ‘bring everyone together’ type of songs to make you move and rise up.”

The release of BIG 45 comes ahead of a busy touring schedule for the two-time Grammy-nominated artist.

“On March 9th, the reggae superstar hits the stage at Australia’s WOMADelaide festival and journeys across Switzerland, Portugal, Spain, Germany and Denmark throughout the end of the month. In April and May, he will perform throughout the U.S. and return to Europe this summer for the reggae festival circuit, followed by a string of solo dates in November,” a release said.

In addition to his music, Protoje has championed emerging Jamaican talent through his In.Digg.Nation Collective, a platform that has supported artists like Sevana, Lila Iké, and Jaz Elise.

Watch the video for BIG 45 above.