Dyani And Remus Burrell Link Up For The ‘Journey’

Reggae singer D’yani has joined forces with Kareem “Remus” Burrell, the son of legendary Xterminator Records founder Phillip ‘Fatis’ Burrell, for what both men believe could be a defining moment in their respective careers.

The collaboration has produced Journey, an uplifting and deeply personal single that will be released on digital platforms on June 5, serving as the lead offering from D’yani’s forthcoming album, Live Life and Prosper.

For Burrell, who is steadily carving out his own identity as the head of XTM.Nation while honouring one of reggae music’s most revered legacies, the partnership feels both natural and significant.

“Working with D’yani on Journey was a special experience because there’s a genuine chemistry between us whenever we create music,” Burrell said.

“Nothing feels forced. We trust each other creatively, and that allows the songs to develop naturally.”

Recorded at the iconic Tuff Gong Studios, the track pairs D’yani’s soulful vocals with lush production and rich harmonies supplied by background vocalists Sherieta Lewis, Roselyn Williams and Tamekia Moncrieffe.

Burrell said the trio brought an almost choir-like quality to the recording.

“The way they blended together was powerful. In a way, it felt much bigger than three voices,” he said.

The result is a song that balances introspection with optimism, reflecting D’yani’s own experiences navigating life’s triumphs and setbacks.

“Journey is a very personal song for me,” the singer explained.

“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.”

He added: “Sonically, we wanted it to feel uplifting and soulful, something people could reflect on but still feel good listening to.”

The single arrives as anticipation builds for Live Life and Prosper, which is scheduled for release this summer through UK-based YE/Lizzy Records.

D’yani believes the song represents a deeper evolution of the sound that first connected him with audiences worldwide.

“After the love people showed to The Little Things, I hope Journey gives fans something deeper to hold onto,” he said.

“I want people to hear it and feel encouraged through whatever season of life they’re in. Everybody’s journey is different, but we all go through moments that test us and help us grow.”

The creative partnership between D’yani and Burrell has already proved commercially successful.

Their previous collaboration, Live A Little, became a breakout hit, generating more than seven million views on YouTube and over 3.4 million streams on Spotify while finding audiences far beyond Jamaica’s shores.

The song also attracted attention from internationally renowned producer and media personality DJ Khaled, who repeatedly shared it with his millions of followers on Instagram.

“To date, Live A Little would be my biggest production commercially and in terms of audience growth, with 18 million streams across all digital platforms,” Burrell said.

“The track established a clear creative direction for D’yani and laid the foundation for the album we are working on.”

For reggae observers, Burrell’s emergence carries added significance.

His father, the late Phillip ‘Fatis’ Burrell, was one of the most influential producers of the digital reggae era, helping launch and shape the careers of artists including Luciano, Mikey General and Sizzla while building the Xterminator label into a cornerstone of Jamaican music.

More than a decade after his father’s death in 2011, Burrell says those lessons continue to guide him.

“Growing up around my father, I had a front-row seat to the way he approached music and artists,” he said.

“More than the hits and accolades, he taught me the importance of quality, authenticity and staying true to the message in the music.”

He added that one of the most valuable lessons passed down by his father was understanding music’s ability to uplift and inspire.

“As creators, we have a responsibility to contribute something positive to the world,” he said.

“Whether it’s hope, inspiration, encouragement, or simply helping someone through a difficult moment, music can have a real impact on people’s lives.”

“Walking in my father’s footsteps is both an honour and a responsibility. While I want to build my own path through XTM.Nation, the values remain the same: creating timeless music, supporting great artists and making records that move people in a positive way.”

Those values appear to align perfectly with D’yani’s artistic vision.

Since emerging during the post-pandemic period in 2022, the singer has steadily established himself as one of Jamaica’s most promising contemporary talents. His breakthrough came with Feelings (Remix) alongside Jada Kingdom, before a string of popular releases including Señorita, Goddess, Birthday, Lock and Key and Ride It expanded his audience.

His rise has also taken him to some of the Caribbean’s most prestigious stages, including Reggae Sumfest, Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, St Kitts Music Festival, Barbados Reggae Weekend and London’s City Splash Festival.

Now, with a highly anticipated album on the horizon and a creative partnership that appears to be flourishing, both D’yani and Burrell believe they are only just getting started.

“I’m really excited for the coming months,” D’yani said.

“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.”