Celebrated Jamaican singer-songwriter Lila Iké has released “Romantic,” the latest single from her highly-anticipated debut album.
The song is a collaboration with dancehall star Masicka and features interpolation of Patra’s 1994 hit “Romantic Call.” That track reached No. 55 on the Billboard Hot 100, and Patra herself makes a guest appearance on “Romantic” with some opening an closing words. Treasure Self Love, Iké’s deut full-length effort, will be released Aug 22. It comes five years after the ExPerience EP made her one of reggae’s breakout stars.
“This album became my teacher,” Iké noted in a conversation with Billboard. “What started in 2021 as just music turned into a journey of growth, healing, and real self-love. I thought I was writing songs, but they ended up being conversations with self. I went through joy, heartbreak, burnout, [and] clarity and came out softer, stronger, and more myself than ever. Treasure Self Love isn’t just the name of my album, it’s the lessons. There was a time I never thought I would be able to share it, so it’s all surreal to me right now. [I] cannot wait for everyone to hear it!”
Treasure Self Love will feature several notable collaborations. In addition to Masicka’s contribution to “Romantic,” the album includes guest appearances by H.E.R. ( on the song “He Loves Us Both”), Joey Bada$$ (“Fry Plantain”) and two-time Grammy-nominated reggae superstar Protoje (“All Over The World”).
