Black Woman & Child Reissue: Sizzla’s Revolutionary Sound Revived in Vibrant Vinyl
Luka looks back at Sizzla’s Black Woman and Child
Sizzla, a fiery voice of resistance and spirituality, emerged in the mid-90s as a trailblazer in the reggae genre, blending the ancestral wisdom of roots reggae with the dynamic energy of dancehall.
His 1997 masterpiece, Black Woman & Child, produced by the legendary Bobby “Digital B” Dixon, became a cornerstone of the conscious dancehall revolution and played a critical role in reggae’s evolution.
Black Woman & Child seamlessly blended traditional riddims and modern innovations capturing themes of faith, empowerment, and resilience, propelling Sizzla to international acclaim.
Now, nearly three decades later, the remastered reissue on wax, revives this timeless masterpiece. Complete with the iconic Greensleeves artwork and a collector’s limited-edition vibrant green vinyl, amplifying its enduring legacy.
The reissue release is a nostalgic yet elevated tribute to reggae history
“Black Woman & Child”, the title track is a loving heartfelt tribute to the strength and resilience of Black women and their children. Sizzla, pensively acclaims the importance of Black woman and child for him and recounts how “Dollar bills and coins will fade away”, reminding us of the impermanence of monetary wealth and how love for one another conquers all holding the true value in this world.
In the energetic “Hard Ground”, Sizzla questions the conditions our fellow human beings exist in.
Due to the inadequacy of politicians and the broken system we are trapped in. Sizzla reminds us how politicians continually let the people suffer and send them to wars for their own selfish gain, something that we see daily. “Stop all di war and strife. Where are the so called leaders, who pollute and corrupt all di place?”. The hard hitting riddim and delivery of lyrics enhance the message of this track. Sizzla exclaims, “Time fi equal rights and justice.” a message that should be realised, where humanity is no longer denied basic human rights, by the political class, elected or not.
With the insightful “One Away” Sizzla, explores the issues with Babylon, further drawing our eyes to the broken system that we are born into. The consistent beat makes a statement as Sizzla sings his poetic philosophy and overstandings.
The impactful trumpet marks Sizzla’s verses. Sizzla states how we are all distracted to strive, to acquire wealth and power, “Di people inna di world a lust fi dem top class”. Sizzla shows how westerns are blind to the fact that they exist in a system that enslaves them, mentally, economically and spiritually. “The people inna di west, di whole a dem gone crazy, love fi big up dem chest yet dem dey inna slavery.”
Sizzla continues with a spotlight on so called leaders who sell out the people they are supposed to serve, “Yuh see the Prime Minister know what a galong, a dem sell out di yutes to the queen a England”. A problem that Great Britain still faces to this day in addition to a ruling political class, a family of “royalty” who also leech off the wealth of the working people.
Capleton is a cornerstone of conscious reggae and dancehall. His collaboration with Sizzla on “Babylon A Use Dem Brain” amplifies the album's themes of resistance and spiritual awakening.
Edi Fitzroy's soulful and melodic style adds a heartfelt depth to “Princess Black”. His smooth delivery perfectly complements Sizzla's impassioned vocals, creating a powerful tribute to the resilience and beauty of Black women.
Sizzla’s Black Woman & Child is a timeless message of resilience, spirituality, and defiance against oppression. The reissue, with its remastered sound and vibrant green vinyl, revitalises this cultural cornerstone for a new generation.
With varied tracks like "No Time To Gaze" urging listeners to stay focused and proactive, with its dancehall rhythm and “Love Is Divine” highlighting the purity and sanctity of love. Sizzla’s blending roots reggae with dancehall and themes of empowerment, Black Woman & Child remains a revolutionary classic, cementing Sizzla’s legacy as a voice for change.
By Luka H.
