Professor Trevor Smith, a respected academic at The University of the West Indies, Mona, has stepped into the spotlight with his debut reggae album, What is Love. Known as “The Singing Professor,” Smith has seamlessly blended his expertise in marketing and consumer behavior with his passion for music, creating a distinctive sound that marries reggae and jazz while exploring the multifaceted nature of love.
Smith’s unexpected foray into music began in May 2023 when his friend, DJ Floyd, challenged him to sing an old tune. What started as a lighthearted dare quickly ignited a newfound passion. “Music has become a source of happiness and completeness for me,” Smith shares.
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Initially, Smith approached music as a hobby, with no intention of balancing it alongside his academic career. However, his first song, “Oh Mama,” written in 2023 as a tribute to his late mother, transformed his relationship with music from casual interest to meaningful expression. Reflecting on his journey, Smith draws an intriguing parallel between his love for mathematics and his approach to music. “Mathematics has helped me fit beats and melodies to lyrics,” he explains, highlighting the structural and patterned similarities between the two disciplines.
Despite his deep roots in marketing and consumer behavior, Smith admits that these fields have yet to shape his music-making process. “To be honest, my background in marketing and consumer behavior has not influenced my approach to music—at least not so far. This has been about fun and the love for music,” he says, though he notes that he is beginning to explore the music market more seriously.
Released on August 8, What is Love features 10 tracks that delve into various expressions of love, from romantic affection to familial bonds and patriotic pride. Songs like “Something ‘Bout the Music” and “Luv U Jamaica” celebrate his love for music and his homeland, while tracks like “Oh Mama” and “Daddy Did You Know” honor his parents.
Smith’s album is a heartfelt exploration of love in its many forms, showcasing his unique ability to weave his academic knowledge with his musical creativity. As he continues to grow in this new artistic chapter, “The Singing Professor” is poised to make a lasting impact both in the classroom and on the reggae scene.
