Review: Marseille label Secousse turn their attention to the debut single of Senegalese musician Maxidilick Adioa. 'Toubab Bile' was originally released in 1987, and it tackles the harrowing story of the West African soldiers betrayed by the French army in 1944. Having worked as a percussionist for years before that, Adioa invested his own money into recording the track in Paris and finding distribution through Safari Ambiance until his talents were picked up on by Island's Chris Blackwell. The track single-handedly launched Adioa's solo career, and it's not hard to hear why - the perfect synergy of West African and Jamaican music with a potent call for justice in its heart.
Jah Shaka, Norman Twinkle & Mad Professor - "African Message Dub" (7:34)
Review: Reggae singer, soundsystem heiress and "first lady of dub" Aisha (Pamela Ross) had already made an enduring name for herself by 1997, at which point she was already ten years into her singing career. A veritable blue-blood of soundsystem culture, Aisha had also already released four albums before 'Give A Little Love', which was contrastingly released as a standalone single not intended as a part of any wider record. Notably enough, it was also produced by Mad Professor, whose boxy, whistly production brings a ghostly, wastelain feel to the otherwise lively track; the instrumental version connotes entirely different themes without the lyrics, proving the infatuating effect of Aisha's words and delivery: with her, it becomes the quintessence of lovers' rock; a rousing floor-filler and lyrical impulsion to give over, so to speak, to the virtues of sharing, as opposed to withholding for oneself, love.
Albert "Alchemist" Thompson - "Promise Land Version" (3:34)
Review: Albert "Alchemist" Thompson's Promise Land comes courtesy of Freestyle Records and has great appearances on the mic from reggae and dancehall greats Frankie Paul, Joseph Cotton, Prince Malachi and Anthony John. It has never before been released and has had a long maturation period over the last 30 years. Albert Thompson was chief engineer at I&I Sound Recording Studio once it left LA and head to Jamaica and he saw work with greats like Dennis Brown, Bunny Wailer and Gregory Isaacs. He laid down these rhythms in 1991 during some downtime and then added the vocals 16 years later in London when working with talented local and touring Jamaican artists.
Review: Horace Andy dropped one of his most well-known cuts back in 1987. It's a lovely rootsy dancehall skank in the form of 'What A Problem' that he produced himself alongside Michael Taylo and Andy Bassford. His mic work is exceptional as he twists and turns his vocals to ride on top of the drums and deliver his message with style and grace in his textbook smooth vocal tone. The version on the flip drills down into darker and more gritty dancehall vibes with the fat bassline front and centre next to plenty of echo and reverb.
Review: Joe Armon-Jones brings a fresh layer of depth to his ever-evolving sound with 'Sorrow', a track that takes its time to breathe, much like a slow unfolding narrative. The piece moves with a deliberate grace, weaving together his distinctive jazz-infused piano work with an underlying electronic pulse. It starts subtly, slowly layering textures that push the track into deeper emotional terrain. The interplay between live drums and ambient synths creates a fluid yet focused atmosphere, reflecting the introspective mood the title suggests. With 'Sorrow', Armon-Jones proves once again that he is unafraid to let his ideas mature at their own pace, leading listeners through a rich, captivating experience.
Mad Professor & Dean Fraser - "Kunte Escape" (4:04)
Dean Fraser meets Mad Professor - "Silent Invaders" (4:14)
Dean Fraser meets Mad Professor - "Silent Invaders" (dub) (4:11)
Review: 'Dark Clouds' is a powerful anthem about overcoming life's toughest challenges. The song embodies resilience by conveying that victory is always possible, even in difficult times. Its uplifting melody and infectious chorus blend English, Wollof and an Arabic, African and Caribbean patois to make a unique, cross-cultural sound. Produced by the legendary Mad Professor at Ariwa Sounds, the track offers hope and strength while inspiring us to keep pushing forward despite adversity over a compelling rhythm.
Guru Pope - "Reggae Soldier" (Saxaphone mix) (3:15)
Aba Ariginal - "East Meets West" (Hornix mix) (3:15)
East Meets West (dub mix 1) (3:14)
East Meets West (dub mix 2) (3:18)
Review: A powerful collaboration between Jennifer Barrett, Guru Pope and Aba Ariginal released on a striking red 12". The original track blends smooth reggae rhythms with heartfelt lyrics that celebrate strength, resilience and the spirit of the reggae soldier. Each artist brings their unique flavour to the release and that leads to a harmonious fusion of voices and styles. Add in its infectious groove and uplifting message, and 'Reggae Soldier' is a standout tune that begs to be played loud.
Review: The brilliant Room In The Sky All Stars presents a heavyweight roots reggae slab here with some serious steppers from guests Joseph Cotton, Laylah Arruda, Ashanti Selah and Rivah Jordan. This essential 12" includes two new tracks, each with four mixes that take the original into all new sonic realms. Rico from the renowned OBF Sound System and Dubquake Records does a fine job with his versions which spin out 'ever bless' into worlds of reverb and lyrical worship. 'Mother Nature' is another impassioned sound with swirling Latin vocals and florid melodies.
Review: The Purple Fade crew has assembled another crack team of dub heads for this fresh platter, 'Be Clean.' Fat Frog is the man charged with produciton duties and does a fine job laying down a killer rhythm with two brilliant vocals - the first is Danny Red who implores us all to be clean on the A-side, while on the flip it's Amelia Harmony who sings on 'Reach Out' and does so with a smoky and sultry tone. Both tunes of course come with slower and more spaced out dubs to complete a fine EP.
Review: Producer, selector and mixing engineer Kai Dub heads up Dub Forward and formerly was in Maasai Warrior but is now busy co-running Concrete Lion Soundsystem with Dubtronics. He is back on his own label with some more devastating dub here, first in collab with Galas on 'Rasta Come From Zion' then in solo mode on 'Dub To Zion' which has earth-shattering kicks and reverb-heavy low ends. Kai Dub Meets Aba Arigina' on 'Majestic' which is a warrior anthem with a zippy melodic lead and a final dub closes out a meaty package on nice yellow wax.
Review: The third volume of the Strike Out Series on Bat features Emanuel and the Bionites taking on an Ikadub riddim and delivering an outstanding performance. Following their previous successful releases with Pinnacle Sound, Emanuel again showcases his talent on the dynamic Ikadub riddim and turns out something perfect for playing loud on sound systems everywhere. With 'Rumours,' Marcus I, a prolific songwriter and skilled singer, finds hit potential by crafting a powerful chorus from some new dubs. All five of these cuts have anthem potential and demand to be heard outdoors in the sunshine.
Review: This crucial new Lion's Choice 12" packs a punch with two powerful tracks by Val Tribulation from Grenoble in southern France. 'Words of Wisdom' highlights Haroon Ayyaz's knack for uplifting vocals and they are deeply inspired by holy scriptures and delivered over a 90s-style instrumental enriched by Mandlion's meditative mandolin. The second track, 'What's Left For Me,' features Alpha B and explores the state of the modern world through thought-provoking lyrics layered atop a saxophone-driven riddim. Both tracks include dub versions, offering deep, reflective vibes.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.