Protoje is an artist with a reputation that precedes him. A global leader in both modern reggae and what Jamaican author and activist Dutty Bookman refers to as the “Reggae Revival movement,” Protoje seamlessly blends traditional roots reggae with elements of hip hop, soul, jazz, R&B and rock. With influences that range from Ini Kamoze to Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Protoje’s work has captivated millions of fans and cemented him as a fixture, not just within the music industry but also within the very fabric of Cannabis culture.
2026 marks a year of musical growth for the artist, with Protoje releasing his 11th album, “The Art of Acceptance.” Focusing on themes of fully facing oneself, embracing the uncomfortable and radiating wholeness through radical acceptance, the project has served as a catalyst for Protoje’s current tour, The Reggae Invasion, featuring his official band, The Indiggnation.
Live at the Aladdin Theater
The Leaf had the privilege of being present at the Portland, Oregon, date of the tour, which took place at the Aladdin Theater. More than just a live performance, the show was a gateway into a world of rhythm and harmonies with Protoje and The Indiggnation serving as spiritual guides, channeling an energy during the show that was nothing short of electric. The unyielding roar of applause from the crowd mixed with the seductive smell of sacred herb made for more than just an evening’s entertainment; it created a sanctuary of music and togetherness totally removed from the outside world.
The setlist featured some of Protoje’s newest songs like “Big 45,” “In Your Corner” and “At We Feet,” along with classics like “Who Knows,” “Rasta Love” and “No Guarantee.” A quick verse from Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was even added at the end of his last song, “Kingston Be Wise,” which was an apropos send-off for the PNW-based concert that also highlighted how effortlessly the band bends multiple genres into the framework of modern reggae.
Cannabis Unites
After the show, we had the honor of meeting with Paris La Mont, producer and keyboardist of The Indiggnation, who also happens to have an extensive history growing and breeding Cannabis. We talked about topics such as growing style, strain preferences and personal use. Some of the most striking parts of the conversation, however, related to the influence of Cannabis on the musical process and the inseparability of the two.
”Cannabis, for me, helps me to focus on what I’m trying to accomplish,” La Mont explained. “It helps me quell the noise going on in my head. If I’m building a rhythm or something, listening to just the drum and bass, I’ll listen to it for hours, just smoking to see what I can hear in my head. That’s the only way I can silence my inner thoughts to hear everything else I need to hear. Then on stage, it’s the same thing, too. It puts me on autopilot in certain ways, and I need that.”
Cannabis is a potent vehicle for sensory enhancement and mindfulness, creating a moment of reprieve to tune in, turn on and drop out somewhere between the melody and the beat. Reggae and Cannabis are often intertwined, but the connection goes so much deeper than any individual genre.
“As a grower, whatever you put into it is what you get out, and that’s the same thing with life, music and everything else,” La Mont pointed out.
Powerful Performers
With a powerful message of love, unity, social commentary, personal growth, acceptance and inner peace, what Protoje and The Indiggnation are putting into their music is incredibly poignant. The resulting alchemy lends itself to live performances that are nothing short of magic.
Endless gratitude and appreciation to Protoje, The Indiggnation and team for the opportunity to be present on such a special and historic night.
Protoje’s newest album, “Art of Acceptance,” is available physically and digitally on streaming platforms everywhere.
Sites & Socials:
protoje.com | @protoje | @theindiggnation | @indiggcollective
