Sheldon Shepherd to release debut album, ‘Give Thanks’, on September 18

Award-winning actor, poet, and cultural practitioner Sheldon Shepherd is set to release his debut album, titled 'Give Thanks,' on September 18. The 11-track collection is deeply rooted in Jamaican Dub Poetry and Roots music, exploring the enduring power of cultural memory.

Produced by NoMaddic Movement and distributed by Tuff Gong International, 'Give Thanks' showcases Shepherd's distinctive voice and storytelling within a musical landscape that incorporates dub, reggae, dancehall, and global influences. While grounded in Jamaican cultural expression, the album also ventures into new sonic territories.

Ten of the album's tracks are dub-poetry musical works. The eleventh track is a unique inclusion: an excerpt from an hour-long conversation Shepherd had with legendary Jamaican graphic artist Neville Garrick. This recording occurred while Shepherd was preparing to portray Garrick in the Bob Marley biopic, 'Bob Marley: One Love.'

“

I started a thing years ago where I ‘give’ on my birthday as a way to show how grateful I am for the support I have received in this life. It is more mystical and divine than anything else. I don’t take the credit for this album. It came to and through me, as opposed to from me like a conduit or vessel.

The album draws inspiration from history and the contributions of past generations to foster confidence, identity, and purpose in the present. Shepherd describes the album's creation as a mystical and divine process, stating, "I don’t take the credit for this album. It came to and through me, as opposed to from me like a conduit or vessel."

Shepherd views the album's release on his birthday, his 'earthstrong,' as a personal act of gratitude. "For me, every day is better than the one before," he added. "So I give thanks." 'Give Thanks' will be available worldwide digitally and on vinyl on September 18.

“

For me, every day is better than the one before. So I give thanks.