Jay Prince Unveils Debut Album SHINE with Estelle, Yussef Dayes, Sam Wise & More
After years of building a steady, soulful lane in UK music, East London artist Jay Prince blesses us with his long-awaited debut album SHINE.
SHINE arrives as a rich, intentional body of work — a testament to patience, growth, and purpose.
During a private listening event for SHINE, hosted by the ever-charismatic Chuckie, it became clear this album is a true labour of love., one thing was clear: this album is a labour of love. Jay spoke openly about trusting others in the creative process, collaborating more than ever before, and the patience it’s taken to bring this vision to life. He even revealed that the opening track, Nation, was first created back in 2016 but didn’t feel complete until he found the right string arranger. That attention to detail and trust in timing runs throughout the project.
Fusing Rap, Jazz, Soul and Hip-Hop with effortless finesse, SHINE is a deeply personal body of work exploring growth, identity, love and faith—delivered with the clarity and confidence of someone who’s clearly done the inner work. Jay Prince describes it best: “It’s been 6 years since my last project. I’ve grown a lot as a man and artist. Thank you for sticking with me—your support means everything.”
From the jump, Nation sets the tone. It’s bright, cinematic, and rich with warmth. One guest at the listening described it as “very bright,” and you could feel the pride in Jay’s voice as he reflected on how long the track had been in the vault. That patience paid off.
Next up, How Far featuring Sam Wise leans into a smooth, cruisy groove—perfect for late-night drives and deep reflection. There’s a quiet strength to this record, with moments that feel introspective but rooted in confidence.
Jay shares SHINE is the most collaborative project he’s ever created, enlisting voices like Estelle (yes, that Estelle from American Boy), Oddisee, Elujay, Topaz Jones, Ninja Kidsoul, Anaiis, House Gospel Choir , and more. But collaboration wasn’t always easy. “When you’re collaborating, you’re not always going to agree,” he shared at the event, “but those moments can help you grow.”
His work with Estelle, in particular, clearly left a lasting impression. Jay was glowing with admiration, describing her as “so professional, so human, and just a kind soul.” That genuine connection shines through in their track together—uplifting, warm, and packed with soul.
Lead single US, featuring Yussef Dayes and Chief Adjuah, is one of the album’s most powerful moments — inspired by Jay Prince’s first-ever trip to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It wasn’t just a visit; it was a personal mission to reconnect with his roots. While there, he met his grandmother, cousins, and extended family for the very first time, immersing himself in the everyday life and spirit of the region. The experience left a mark, both emotionally and creatively, and that energy flows through the track. The accompanying visuals, photographed by Jay himself during the trip, add even more depth to the song’s meaning — raw, grounding, and full of love.
Jay Prince isn’t chasing charts or trends with SHINE. This is music for the soul. It’s about connection, storytelling, and light. Whether you’ve been with him since Smile Good or you’re only just tuning in, this album marks the sound of an artist fully stepping into himself.
Catch him live at Amplify at KOKO and Love Supreme Festival alongside The Roots—because this one deserves to be felt in real life.
