Internationally acclaimed Jamaican gospel artist Robert Bailey has released his new single Breakthrough, an upbeat “anthem of hope” dedicated to Jamaicans recovering from Hurricane Melissa.
Bailey, whose music ministry spans more than 35 years—including his years as one half of the celebrated duo Robert and Jenieve—describes the track as “a timely and much needed anthem of hope and encouragement that reminds us all that no matter how dark the storm, a breakthrough always follows the struggle.” The single is now available on all major streaming platforms.
A fusion of Afrobeats and reggae, Breakthrough was written by Bailey and his wife, Reverend Marie Berbick-Bailey. Although the song resonates deeply with the country’s current challenges, Bailey said it was actually created before the storm hit.
“If you listen to the lyrics carefully and what the song has to say about being optimistic even in the face of incredible challenges, you could assume it was written after the tragedy of Melissa,” he said. “However, some time ago my producer friend Leighton Murray said to me, ‘Man, let’s get into the studio and make some music for God,’ and we started doing just that. Breakthrough was the first result of those efforts.”
The track was scheduled for release the same week Hurricane Melissa devastated parts of western Jamaica on October 28. Now based in Queens, Bailey said he felt compelled to dedicate the song to Jamaicans after seeing the scale of loss and destruction. “My heart broke when I saw the conditions back home following Melissa, but I know my Jamaican people. We are proud, hardworking and resilient, so I am confident that we will bounce back from this.”
Bailey, born in Browns Town, St. Ann, began singing in church as a teenager and later rose to prominence after winning the Youth For Christ singing competition. He went on to join The Life Singers under the management of Dale Flynn, eventually partnering musically with fellow member Jenieve Hibbert, daughter of reggae legend Toots Hibbert. The duo earned significant acclaim with hits such as Preacher Man, I Can Never Outlove the Lord, and The Clay.
Though the partnership dissolved following their 2018 divorce, Bailey continues to build on the legacy they created. He has returned to studio work in recent years and plans to complete a full album in 2026.
While Breakthrough introduces a more vibrant and genre-blended sound than his traditional, slower gospel style, Bailey said he is energized by this new chapter. He credits his wife Reverend Berbick-Bailey—known as “The People’s Pastor”—for providing creative direction and encouragement. “I’m so blessed to have my wife alongside me with her tremendous support and the wonderful creative mind that she has,” he said. “She not only co-wrote the lyrics but penned the melody for Breakthrough as well. So this song was truly birthed from faith and partnership.”
Bailey continues to perform across the United States and internationally while balancing family life and recording commitments. “I see the hand of God moving in my life and am truly grateful to be enjoying this wonderful journey with my wife and family,” he said, noting that he has also been performing with his sons Joel and Renaldo. “The glory is the Lord’s. I balance it all by His grace.”
Breakthrough is available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and other major digital platforms. More information is available at RobertOBaileyMusic on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and other social media channels.
