Swiss reggae artiste of Sri Lankan origin Binghi is introducing himself to Jamaican audiences with ‘I Am Blessed’, an uplifting roots-reggae single built around gratitude, faith, resilience and purpose.
Distributed by Tuff Gong International, the single was released on September 11 and is the first release from his forthcoming album, Heart of Love. It marks a new chapter for the artiste, whose personal and musical journey has taken him across Europe, Asia, Africa and Jamaica.
Born in Sri Lanka and adopted as a baby into a European family, Binghi, whose given name is Patrice Cyril Lingam Amrein, grew up in Switzerland. Music became a constant in his life from an early age. Recognising his aptitude, his adoptive parents enrolled him in music school at around three years old. He later completed formal conservatory training in 2011 before expanding his skills into composition, production and audio engineering.
His journey eventually took him beyond Europe, including trips to India and his birth country, Sri Lanka, as well as travels across Africa, from Senegal to Madagascar, with time also spent in Ghana.
“My journey is not just a journey through the globe, but through the passage of time,” Binghi I reflected.
That journey brought him to Jamaica, where he has now lived for approximately two-and-a-half years, immersing himself in the culture and reggae music that had long influenced him.
It was during his encounters with Rastafari and people that the name Binghi took hold.
He said I Am Blessed was born during one of the more difficult periods of his life. According to the artiste, he wrote the song while searching for the strength and motivation to keep moving forward. Drawing inspiration from the biblical figure David, who found strength to encourage himself during adversity, he turned to his faith and music.
I Am Blessed came from my heart, very, very deep,” he said. “I wrote it to encourage myself going through a rough time.”
He also recalls reasoning with Jacob Abunah of Bobo Hill during that period, an encounter that provided further encouragement.
What began as a personal act of self-encouragement became a message for others. In the song, Binghi confronts adversity while returning to themes of faith, resilience, kindness and choosing good over evil.
“I know it’s all about the time, so still I try and the future shall be bright,” he sings, before returning to the central affirmation: “I’m blessed, I am blessed.”
The track also calls for “more love and righteousness”, reflecting the conscious and spiritual message he hopes listeners will take from it.
The recording brought together several experienced Jamaican musicians, including saxophonist Dean Fraser, keyboardist Franklyn ‘Bubbler’ Waul, bassist Delroy ‘Worm Bass’ Nevin and veteran mixing engineer Errol Brown.
For Binghi, Jamaica has become more than a creative destination. His experiences on the island have deepened his relationship with reggae and its messages of spirituality, consciousness, upliftment and connection.
“I got a lot of inspiration from the people, and so I want to give back to the people,” he said
