Gospel Artist Robert Bailey Offers Encouragement to Jamaicans With Newly Released Single 'Breakthrough
New York, New York - Internationally acclaimed Jamaican Gospel singer Robert Bailey has released his highly anticipated new single Breakthrough, dedicating the upbeat 'Anthem of Hope' to Jamaicans affected by Hurricane Melissa.
Robert Bailey (PHOTO COURTESY OF MARIE BERBICK MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL)The single, now available on all major streaming platforms, is described by Bailey as “A timely and much needed anthem of hope and encouragement that reminds us all that no matter how dark the storm, a breakthrough always follows the struggle.”
Breakthrough marks the beginning of a new creative chapter for the gospel minister, whose career in music ministry spans over 35 years, a significant part of which was spent as one half of the popular gospel duo, Robert and Jenieve.
In terms of its sound, Bailey says that the song is a fusion of Afrobeats and Reggae, and believes that its infectious rhythm and relatable lyrics, penned by himself and his wife Reverend Marie Berbick-Bailey, speak to issues with which many will be able to identify, especially in times of crisis. Yet despite the relevance of the song in the aftermath of Melissa, Breakthrough was in fact created before the storm- and was scheduled to be released the same week it hit.
“If you listen to the lyrics carefully and what the song has to say about being optimistic even in the face of incredible challenges, you could assume it was written after the tragedy of Melissa, as I had been on hiatus from recording for awhile,” Bailey says. “However, some time ago my producer friend Leighton Murray said to me, ‘Man, let’s get into the studio and make some music for God,’ and we started doing just that. Breakthrough was the first result of those efforts.”
With the song completed, Bailey was just about to release it when Melissa swept across Jamaica on Tuesday October 28, and the category five storm devastated the western end of the island. Deeply troubled by the suffering that he saw in the media, Bailey- now residing in Queens New York- was inspired to dedicate the new release to the people of Jamaica to offer encouragement, hope and healing in the wake of the event. And still, he remains optimistic.
“My heart broke when I saw the conditions back home following Melissa, but I know my Jamaican people. We are proud, hardworking and resilient, so I am confident that we will bounce back from this.”
Bailey was born in Browns Town St. Ann, into a Christian family of rich musical talent. His calling to music came at a tender age and by his mid teens, he was regularly singing at various churches and events in his community.
An avid footballer who was well known for his skills in Browns Town and beyond, he later won the Youth For Christ singing competition, which paved the way for him to become part of the renowned gospel group The Life Singers, managed by Dale Flynn.
Bailey later married fellow Life Singers member Jenieve Hibbert, daughter of reggae legend Toots Hibbert, and in the years that followed, the duo enjoyed great success on the local and international gospel circuit as Robert and Jenieve. Among their best known releases were hits such as Preacher Man, I Can Never Outlove the Lord and The Clay.
Despite their divorce in 2018, they are credited with having created a rich legacy of music for gospel lovers, and are now both pursuing solo careers. Bailey has recently been back in studio completing several singles, aiming to finish an album in 2026.
Although the vibrant and upbeat Breakthrough signals somewhat of a departure from the slower, soul stirring style of music for which Bailey has become known, he is excited about this new era in his career, in which he plans to explore and experiment much more with different musical genres and sounds.
He credits his wife Reverend Berbick- Bailey, affectionately known as “The People’s Pastor,” with steadfastly believing in and inspiring him on his new musical journey.
“I’m so blessed to have my wife alongside me with her tremendous support and the wonderful creative mind that she has,” Bailey says. “She not only co-wrote the lyrics but penned the melody for Breakthrough as well. So this song was truly birthed from faith and partnership. ”
He is enthusiastically embracing his new 'musical season', performing around the United States and overseas at conferences, churches and concerts, while balancing his recording projects with family life.
“I see the hand of God moving in my life and am truly grateful to be enjoying this wonderful journey with my wife and family. I have also been tremendously encouraged to be performing with my sons Joel and Renaldo, since they are both very gifted singers as well. The glory is the Lord’s. I balance it all by His grace. ”
Breakthrough is currently streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and all major digital platforms. More information on Robert Bailey is available on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms at RobertOBaileyMusic.
