DEZARIE
Roots empress Dezarie has
blessed the reggae community with the deliverance of her newest recording "Gracious
Mama Africa". Released on the Afrikan Roots Lab record label, this album emerges from
the seeds planted on her amazing debut album of 2001 "FYA".
Gracious Mama Africa transports the incredible voice
of Dezarie to a whole new level - the highest heights. Her foundation is firmly
established in songs such as "Travelers" and the title track. The brilliance and
clarity of Dezarie’s voice is reverently unveiled on "Exhalt". Gracious
Mama Africa abounds with pleas for social justice and racial equality with selections like
"Poverty", "Strengthen Your Mind" and "Justice". |
But to this listener, the strength and power of Dezarie is most
strikingly displayed in her condemnation of so-called civilization. "Gone Down",
"Not One Penny", "Law Fe De Outlaw", "Slew Dem An Done" and
"Judgment Come" all deliver conscious punches that penetrate the soul.
"Do what you want, wheresoever you please.
Bombing Vieques, yes your bombing the seas. Lock up anyone that was opposing. Speaking
against the nonsense that you were doing. But babylon you gone down, you gone down.
Babylon funeral, you gone down." - Dezarie
After receiving Atlanta’s "Best New Female
Reggae Artist" award in 2001, Dezarie returned to her native island of St. Croix.
Since that time, she has been working closely with Midnite, the players of instruments for
"Gracious Mama Africa". Midnite’s trademark sound is fully displayed on
this album. Momentous bass lines from Phillip Merchant, classic one-drop from Dion Hopkins
and the bubbling of Ron Benjamin on keyboards prevail throughout, accentuated by
Abijah’s charismatic guitar playing.
From the excellent overdubs of Dezarie’s voice to the
flying symbols on "Slew Dem" it is evident that Ron Benjamin worked tirelessly
in the production and mixing of this album. The fruits of this labour are eloquently
displayed on Gracious Mama Africa, my favorite album of 2003.
Daniel - Ireggae.com
Dezarie
Links:
Listen To The
Music of Dezarie -
Track List |
