Album Review: “Africa Unite” is another reminder of the genius of Bob Marley
Photo courtesy of Island Records / Universal Music.
“Africa Unite” is another reminder of the genius of Bob Marley.
The album pairs Bob Marley & The Wailers classics with extremely talented African artists of today’s scene and the new takes on these classics are so fun to listen to and vibe with.
This album’s production is legendary and I love the mix of reggae, dancehall and hip hop heard throughout. “So Much Trouble In The World” takes a Marley classic and puts a modern spin with Nutty O and Winky D reflecting on today’s societal issues that need to be solved. Reggae points out the problems that need to be solved and provides inspiration for us to come together and make the world a better place. This track’s bass line goes so hard!
Skip Marley and Rema bring iconic new energy to “Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)” and are helping new audiences hear and connect with Marley’s timeless music. I can’t wait to hear Skip perform this song live someday!
“Redemption Song” is one of my all time favorite Bob Marley songs and Ami Faku’s soulful sound delivers a new pace and identity to the track. I love the creativity and energy this version delivers.
Tiwa Savage is an unbelievably talented artist from Nigeria and she shines in “Waiting In Vain”. Her voice was the perfect fit for this all time Bob Marley classic. The guitar solo adds such a nice element to this version of the song.
Love is in the air in “Turn Your Lights Down Low” and Afro B showcases a big time voice in this crowd pleaser.
Sarkodie’s flow goes so hard on “Stir It Up” - the mix of reggae and hip hop sounds so irie, and I love choice of the Ghana-based artist for the fan favorite track.
“One Love” teams Marley with Nigerian artist Patoranking and inspires a sense of community and positivity that are so crucial.
Bringing together so many African artists and exposing them to new audiences while pairing them with Marley classics was such an amazing idea and the love is strongly felt.
By CB.
