Johnny Osbourne, the “Dancehall Godfather,” is back with a new project. On August 29, VP Records will release Universal Love Showcase, produced by Frenchie from Maximum Sound. The album takes some of Johnny’s biggest classics and records them again with new guest voices. Each song also comes with a dub version, in the old Jamaican Showcase style.

The album starts with “We Need Love,” a fresh cut of Johnny’s 1979 Truth & Rights, this time together with Tarrus Riley. Other songs include Alborosie on “Don’t Need No Ice Cream Love,” Anthony B on “Give More Love,” Aza Lineage on “Sweet So,” and Macka B on “Cease Fire.”

The music is played by some of Jamaica’s top musicians, with Dean Fraser on saxophone. Dubs are mixed by Gregory Morris, known for his work with Chronixx, Protoje, and Beres Hammond.

Frenchie, who started Maximum Sound in 1993, has worked with names like Sizzla, Luciano, Sean Paul, and Capleton. With Universal Love Showcase he brings Johnny Osbourne’s classic songs to a new generation, while keeping the original vibe alive.

Universal Love Showcase will be released on August 29, 2025.

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