Kingston, Jamaica —Track Legend Usain Bolt Reveals His Journey to the ‘Music Scene …

Kingston, Jamaica —Track Legend Usain Bolt Reveals His Journey to the ‘Music Scene …

 

Kingston, Jamaica — World-renowned Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt, known as the fastest man alive, is now making waves in a completely different arena — music. The eight-time Olympic gold medalist has officially opened up about his transition from track and field to the world of music production, sharing insights into his passion, inspirations, and future ambitions.

 

Speaking candidly in a recent interview, Bolt revealed that music has always been a core part of his identity, growing up in Jamaica where reggae, dancehall, and Afrobeat rhythms dominate the cultural soundscape. “Music has been in my blood since I was a kid,” Bolt shared. “Even when I was training or competing, I always had my headphones in, vibing to the beats that kept me motivated.”

 

After retiring from athletics in 2017, Bolt turned his focus to creative pursuits that had long been on the backburner. In 2021, he released his debut album Country Yutes in collaboration with longtime friend and manager Nugent “NJ” Walker. The project, which blends dancehall, reggae, and a touch of hip-hop, debuted on Billboard’s Reggae Albums chart and marked a confident step into the music world.

 

“People know me as the sprinter, but music gives me a chance to express another side of who I am,” said Bolt. “With Country Yutes, we wanted to show that this wasn’t just a hobby — we’re serious about building something real.”

 

Bolt has since launched his own music label, 9.58 Records — a nod to his record-breaking 100m time — and is actively producing and promoting Jamaican and Caribbean talent. His goal, he says, is to uplift emerging artists and share the vibrancy of the island’s music with a global audience.

 

“Just like in athletics, I’m here to win — but now I’m building a legacy in music,” he added.

 

Critics and fans alike have taken notice. While some were initially skeptical of an athlete crossing into music, Bolt’s infectious enthusiasm and authentic sound have helped him gain credibility. His recent singles like Living the Dream and Cryptic World have racked up millions of streams, and his performances at music festivals in Europe and the Caribbean have drawn sizeable crowds.

 

Bolt admits the learning curve has been steep, but he’s enjoying every minute. “I’ve had to study the business, learn production, and understand what makes a song connect with people,” he said. “It’s a new kind of race, but I’m running it with the same fire I had on the track.”

 

Looking ahead, Bolt says he’s planning more collaborations with international artists and even hinted at an upcoming EP that will feature “a fusion of sounds the world hasn’t heard from me yet.”

 

From Olympic podiums to recording studios, Usain Bolt’s second act is proving to be just as compelling as his first. And if his past is any indication, the music world better keep up — because Bolt isn’t slowing down anytime soon.