
In reggae music, legacies are often inherited. But building one of your own is a far more difficult task.
For Kareem “Remus” Burrell, the son of legendary Xterminator Records founder Phillip “Fatis” Burrell, that journey has been both a privilege and a responsibility. For rising reggae star D’yani, it has been a quest to transform undeniable talent into lasting impact.
Now, the two are joining forces on what could become one of the most compelling reggae projects of 2026.
Their latest collaboration, Journey, arrives June 5 as the lead single from D’yani’s highly anticipated debut album Live Life and Prosper, a project years in the making that seeks to blend conscious reggae traditions with modern sounds and global appeal.
For both men, the song represents far more than another release.
It is a statement of purpose.
“Working with D’yani on Journey was a special experience because there’s a genuine chemistry between us whenever we create music,” Burrell says.
“Nothing feels forced. We trust each other creatively, and that allows the songs to develop naturally.”
That chemistry is evident throughout the record.
Recorded at Jamaica’s legendary Tuff Gong Studios, Journey is layered with soaring harmonies from Sherieta Lewis, Roselyn Williams and Tamekia Moncrieffe, whose voices transform the chorus into something that feels larger than life.
“The way they blended together was powerful,” Burrell recalls. “In a way, it felt much bigger than three voices.”
The emotional centerpiece, however, remains D’yani himself.
Known for his rich vocals and deeply expressive delivery, the singer pours years of personal experiences into the track, creating a song that feels both intimate and universal.
“Journey is a very personal song for me,” D’yani says.
“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.”
The result is a song that reflects the philosophy behind the album itself.
Rather than chasing trends, Live Life and Prosper is built around themes of resilience, gratitude, growth and self-discovery.
“We wanted it to feel uplifting and soulful,” D’yani explains. “Something people could reflect on but still feel good listening to.”
From Viral Success to Global Momentum
The partnership between D’yani and Burrell has already produced one of the biggest reggae success stories of recent years.
Their previous collaboration, Live A Little, became a breakout anthem, surpassing seven million YouTube views and generating more than 3.4 million Spotify streams while steadily finding new audiences around the world.
The song’s reach expanded even further after international superstar DJ Khaled repeatedly shared it with his millions of followers on Instagram.
For Burrell, it marked a defining moment.
“To date, Live A Little would be my biggest production commercially and in terms of audience growth,” he says. “The song has accumulated over 18 million streams across all digital platforms.”
More importantly, he believes the record established the blueprint for what comes next.
“Live A Little established a clear creative direction for D’yani and laid the foundation for the album we’re working on.”
Carrying the Burrell Legacy Forward
For reggae fans, the Burrell surname carries enormous weight.
Phillip “Fatis” Burrell wasn’t merely a producer; he was one of the architects of modern reggae. Through Xterminator Records, he helped launch and shape the careers of cultural heavyweights including Luciano, Sizzla and Mikey General, helping define an entire era of Jamaican music.
Growing up under that influence left an indelible mark on his son.
“Growing up around my father, I had a front-row seat to the way he approached music and artists,” Burrell says.
“More than the hits and accolades, he taught me the importance of quality, authenticity and staying true to the message in the music.”
Those lessons continue to guide every project he undertakes through his company XTM.Nation.
Following his father’s passing in 2011, Burrell began carving out his own path, first with the Project X mixtape and later through a series of production projects that blended contemporary sounds with reggae’s enduring spirit.
But success, he says, isn’t measured solely by streams and chart positions.
“As creators, we have a responsibility to contribute something positive to the world,” Burrell says.
“Whether it’s hope, inspiration, encouragement, or simply helping someone through a difficult moment, music can have a real impact on people’s lives.”
Reggae’s New Leading Man
Meanwhile, D’yani’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable.
Emerging during the post-pandemic era, he quickly captured attention with Feelings (Remix) alongside Jada Kingdom before building a growing catalogue of fan favorites including Señorita, Goddess, Birthday, Lock and Key and Ride It.
Blessed with movie-star looks, undeniable charisma and one of reggae’s most versatile voices, D’yani has become one of the genre’s most recognizable young stars.
His popularity has translated into bookings across some of the Caribbean’s most prestigious festivals, including Reggae Sumfest, Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, St. Kitts Music Festival, Barbados Reggae Weekend and London’s City Splash Festival.
Yet despite the growing acclaim, D’yani insists the best is yet to come.
“I’m really excited for the coming months,” he says.
“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.”
And if Journey is any indication, that world promises to be one built on authenticity, purpose and powerful storytelling.
For D’yani and Remus Burrell, the destination may still be ahead.
But the journey itself is already proving worth the ride.



