Emerging from Saint Lucia’s vibrant music scene, independent artist Berty James, who performs under the stage name Humble Official, has launched his highly anticipated 16-track studio project titled *The Grammy*, a genre-defying collection crafted to resonate with listeners across diverse musical tastes. The album breaks conventional genre boundaries by weaving together a rich tapestry of Caribbean and global sounds: from the energetic rhythms of soca, bouyon, and Dennery segment (a signature local Saint Lucian style) to the catchy beats of dancehall and Afrobeat, plus the soulful depth of gospel influences. This intentional fusion is designed to welcome a broad, varied audience, ensuring there is something for every listener to connect with.
Among the project’s standout tracks is *Summertime*, a laid-back, upbeat cut positioned to become the defining Caribbean summer anthem for 2026. What sets the album apart beyond its eclectic sound is its collaborative core: it brings together emerging local Saint Lucian talent alongside both homegrown and internationally acclaimed award-winning producers, blending grassroots artistry with top-tier production expertise.
In an exclusive interview with local publication *St Lucia Times*, James opened up about his gratitude for the opportunity to share his work with the world. “I feel grateful and I give thanks to the Most High for allowing me to be a blessing to this world by releasing this album,” he shared. For the artist, the project is more than just a collection of songs—it is a career milestone that he believes will solidify his standing as a serious professional in the global music industry.
Beyond his own career goals, James has his sights set on lifting up his home community. The artist has long prioritized advancing Saint Lucia’s local music ecosystem, and he says *The Grammy* is a key step in his mission to push Saint Lucian music onto the global stage and elevate the entire regional industry to new heights. “I am really interested in taking music in St. Lucia to another level,” he emphasized.
James describes the album as one-of-a-kind in both its sonic identity and structural approach, highlighting its multi-faceted nature as its biggest strength. “My album is different from other albums because it’s multi-faceted,” he explained. “It consists of a wide variety of genres to cater to the wider audience. Everyone can find a song or more on there that they love.” That cross-genre appeal, he argues, allows different fans to build personal connections with the project, regardless of their preferred style of music. He remains confident that the album will win over listeners both in Saint Lucia and across international markets.
True to its name, *The Grammy* carries a bold core ambition: James is openly targeting a nomination for the prestigious Grammy Awards, calling this his top career goal for the year. While he acknowledges that earning a spot among Grammy nominees is no small feat and a long shot for an independent Caribbean artist, he maintains an unshakable optimism about his chances. “I know it’s a long shot but my mind is limitless,” he said. He attributes his confidence to a mix of unwavering self-belief and his faith, noting, “If anyone can do it, I can because I believe in myself and I believe in the Most High and together we are unstoppable.”
*The Grammy* is available for streaming now on YouTube, via the official album playlist, as well as all major global music streaming platforms.