Reviews
Add Imeru Tafari to your list of talented reggae artists to watch for years to come
Tafari with his debut album, The Essential, confidently delivers one of the most solid premieres I’ve heard in a minute. With a powerful, yet melodious delivery the Kingston native delivers a 12 piece of heat worthy of sharing shelf space with some of your favorites in the game.
Make your soul feel good with Bobby Alu’s “Keep It Tropical”
Gold Coast, Australia native Bobby Alu is here to offer an assist in extending summer with his 5th studio long player, Keep It Tropical. Setting things off in fine style, B.A. knew the assignment and nailed from the onset with the uptempo opener,
The exceptionally talented Yemi Alade stars in “Rebel Queen”
With a voice befitting of the most beautiful songbird, Nigerian Afro-Pop torch bearer, Yemi Alade has blessed the masses with her latest offering Rebel Queen. A prolific, singer/songwriter, she has in a span of 9 albums and 2 EP’s garnered a fanatic and loyal fanbase. Even a casual listen to any of the multitude of her hits will show you exactly why.
Govana’s “Legacy” proves he is as talented as they come in today’s dancehall scene
The Vybz Kartels, Alkalines, and Shenseeas have replaced the Beenies, Bountys and Lady Saws in the dances and have no design on giving way to the legends they supplanted. Govana, one of the leaders of the new school has blessed the masses with his sophomore effort Legacy.
Add Etana’s “Nectar of the Gods” to your list of top 2024 reggae albums
Blessed with a caramel-sweet, yet potent delivery, Etana has consistently delivered what the game needs while becoming a headliner in her own right, capable of carrying a show or fest, with her sizeable catalog of fan favorites. Her new effort Nectar of the Gods looks to further entrench her as a top songstress and sets things in motion seamlessly with the opener, Jah Never Fails.
Jah’Mila flexes soothing vocals and smooth roots reggae sound in “Woman of the Sun”
It’s always a pleasure to be introduced to new artists. It’s even better when the talent is overwhelmingly dope as is the case with Kingston born and bred Jah’Mila. The daughter of legendary reggae session guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith has released her second album entitled Woman of the Sun.
Zion The Messenger makes his mark in “Truth Be Told”
Opening the proceedings with One Way, Zion, sets it off with a pretty nice head nodder in which he makes it clear he is a pious young man with a devout dedication to Christ and his teachings. Not entirely foreign themes throughout reggae music, he speaks of them with a decent singing voice and delivery that is easygoing and placid. That’s a good thing as it drives his subsequent cuts, Long Way, In My Shoes and my personal favorite, So Natural.
Kes starts summer early with “Man With No Door”
What generally makes a reggae album great is the ability to touch multiple styles without overdoing it. Dancehall, (Honey Comb feat Busy Signal & Mood alongside Shaggy) Afrobeats (It’s Enough & Jolene) and of course Carnival appropriate Soca (Miracle) are all done marvelously by this crew. So much so that I can’t remember when I have been so hooked by a group upon a first listen. Man With a Door in short is literally a perfect album.
“The Gentle Man” ascends Romain Virgo to the top of the game
If you’re a fan of the man whose album we’re about to get into, your prayers were answered when one-drop megastar, Romain Virgo gave the masses what is arguably one of the most anticipated new releases of 2024, in his new long player, The Gentle Man.