The Africa Movement Riddim [Conquering Lion Records - 2026]
1. 'Faith' by Quan Nelson 2. 'Hail Adonai' by Jelliss 3. 'Guidance' by T'Jean 4. 'Wisdom Over Hype' by Dahvid Slur 5. 'Amharic Verse' by Daweh Congo 6. Africa Movement Ridim
Okay so, I had mentioned this one (sorta/kinda) in a review that I did a week or two ago because I'd had my eyes and ears on it already for a few minutes ahead of its release but the Africa Movement Riddim from Jallanzo The Dubwizard and Conquering Lion Records has now been released and it is thriving mightily at least on one front (but more like a couple, actually). While all of the tunes are at least solid, there're a couple of standouts that I think you should REALLY be paying attention to.
"Propaganda dem ah spread but it can't change di facts-
That the first man and women dem was one wid locks
A di same bloodline run deep in us
Melanin inna mi skin like a burning pot
Wid hair like wool and foot like burning brass
Everybody haffi hail The Negus Negast"
The first of them is definitely the mighty 'Hail Adonai' by Jelliss. Jelliss has been coming on over the past couple of years or so (downright EPIC love/ganja tune he had, 'Medication') but he also had a few big tunes that I've run into throughout the years, particularly one called 'Back To Reality' (which sounded like something from out of the ZIK catalogue) that well caught my attention, so I am aware that he possesses a certain level of ability. Were I not aware, however, 'Hail Adonai' would have certainly remedied that.
"WICKED SHALL BLOW AWAY, JUST LIKE A TRASH"
The other song here that you'll be doing yourself a favour by donating a whole heap of time to is the ABSOLUTELY MAMMOTH 'Amharic Verse' by Daweh Congo, the single best tune on the Africa Movement Riddim and... probably one of the best songs that I've heard in a minute (I seriously have difficulty NOT playing this record).
Also appearing on the riddim are Quan Nelson & Dahvid Slur, with tunes that are at least decent, like I said, with the latter, with 'Wisdom Over Hype', being quite strong, actually (Slur sounds a bit like Chronixx at times). The talented T'Jean also checks in with 'Guidance', which is also good but is a delightful listen. As I song, I wouldn't place it ahead of 'Wisdom Over Hype' but for pure sonic appeal, 'Guidance' is lovely. And you also get a LOVELY clean version of the riddim itself with a bit of effects added in, making for an almost Dub-like experience. Golden.
Be sure to check out the brand new and GORGEOUS Africa Movement Riddim because it isn't like you have anything better to do.
First up this week is something that comes as a bit of a disappointment as Eesah recently dropped his brand new (and well anticipated by me) album, "Success", for Evidence Music. Though I'd heard some of the clips of the music and had an idea of what to expect, I guess it didn't hit me, fully, as to what I was listening to until I had the entire thing in my hands. "Success" isn't at all BAD necessarily and it does showcase the ample talents of its star but it's about half Reggae/half R&Bish and, again, I guess I shouldn't have been surprised but... damn I was hoping for a big Reggae album to close 2025 out on. There is still material here worth listening to, even on the non-Reggae end ('Rise My People' is actually pretty decent) but it isn't the album I was looking forward to hearing - at least half of it isn't.
'Pull D Pin' by Machel Montano, Skinny Fabulous and Lil Natty & Thunda [Monk Music - 2025]
Of course, we're nearing the most magical time of the year and music from some of the biggest stars of Soca has already began to steadily come out of Trinidad (and other places) and amongst the very best tunes that I've heard thus far has been this MASSIVE combination shot featuring frequent collaborator Skinny Fabulous with Lil Natty & Thunda alongside the great Machel Montano. When I got what was going on here, I was actually a little surprised that no one (that I know of) had taken this angle on a Soca song before because it works to perfection as, once again, Montano links with Skinny Fabulous; this time bringing in big-voiced Lil Natty (hardly ever talk about Lil Natty & Thunda (a duo) but Natty's voice is fantastic for what he does with it) and Thunda from Grenada to drop a grenade all over Carnival.
'We Doh Play' by Destra [Krazi Music]
Also getting the season started on a good note is the incomparable Queen of Bacchanal, Destra, who tells all the absolute obvious with 'We Doh Play' (as if we haven't known that about her from looooooooooong time). Love the horns on this one and how it sort of bubbles below total chaos for the most part but, in a glimpse or two, it crosses that threshold and makes the dust raise. Hopefully we get an album this season from Destra; as she's already dropped a couple of nice tunes and it's looking like another stellar Carnival from the greatest to ever do it for me.
'Pass di Chalice' by Cali P [Cali P (song has three different labels on it)]
Seems a minute since last we heard from loooooooongtime favourite, Cali P (hasn't been too long at all. He had an album just last year) but he's back with a SWEET ganja tune, 'Pass di Chalice' for Mouthwatering Records (I THINK). Cali P's been trying a few different things in recent years in terms of his style but this one settles on ultra-familiar, downright sugary terrain. More of this from Cali P in the new year wouldn't be too bad a'tall.
"No gimmi nuttin else, a di chronic a fi wi choice
Tell mi what's di cost, cah mi ready fi pay di price"
The Volume Riddim [Greensleeves Records - 2000]
I'll wait until next week (probably) to tell you exactly how a random quarter-century old riddim has made its way back on my players but right now I'm just going to suggest that you join me and go diving in the vault of Greensleeves riddim albums because you too may stumble upon a GEM like I did in this Ward 21 produced piece, the Volume. As was the norm at the time, the Volume was absolutely LOADED with big names as, appearing alongside the Ward themselves (they had two tracks, one, 'One More Start A War', was a combination featuring Ele & Wayne Marshall. Ele also had another solo tune, 'Fake Man', while Marshall had two other combinations, with Harry Toddler and Baby G, respectively)) were the likes of Bounty Killer, Mad Cobra, TOK, Kiprich, the oft-brilliant Madd Anju, Mr. Vegas, Lexxus and Beenie Man who, arguably, reigned supreme as he absolutely SLAUGHTERED the Volume with the stellar 'Moses Cry'.
Okay so, that was 2025. I hope you liked it but if you didn't, there's nothing we can do about it now. It's over... on to the next! We had some very impressive releases from some expected and some unexpected stars to help make the year fun and, presumably (and hopefully), this time next year, we'll be saying the same for 2026. So we're already looking ahead to what the future might have to offer and to do that we're going to use a feature from back in da day. Today we assemble a group of ten individuals who we're hoping to hear from in the new year. Most Wanted 2026!
{Note: Names appear in no particular order}
{Note 2: I intentionally excluded people who I know have albums scheduled or are heavily rumoured to be releasing albums}
Anthony B
It was just 2023 when the great Anthony B released his most recent set, "Bread & Butter", so while the world isn't exactly starving for a new one from him just yet... it would be pretty nice considering the roll he's been on in recent times. I'm sure I'll say this in regards to someone else (if not everyone else) but, with the right producer, based on what he's been up t o lately, I think Anthony B's next album -- whenever we get it -- could be a contender for best of that year. Even at such an advanced and well grizzled stage in his career, the Original Fire Man appears to be well within reach of his prime. ANTHONY B! SHOW EVERYONE WHAT I MEAN AND DO AN ALBUM IN 2026! PLEASE.
Queen Omega
We're just coming up on the third anniversary of "Freedom Legacy", Queen Omega's most recent studio release but prior to that, a truly ridiculous FIFTEEN YEARS had elapsed in between records from her, which was entirely unacceptable. Three years is just fine in my opinion and the star of our Album of The Year for 2023 would look just fine making her return in 2026. In the summer or so I actually heard an interview (on a radio station in Toronto, I THINK) where the Queen said she was at work on her next album and I, of course, glued into that fact. She didn't say with whom she was working or give any type of timeframe for its potential release whatsoever but, if she does make an appearance next year, she could definitely do a lot for 2026.
Damian Marley
"Stony Hill" will turn eight years old next summer and one of the legit, bona fide superstars of the genre, Damian Marley, figures to be DUE for a new set any one of these years now (and I can recall hearing a rumour that he was coming with something late 2024, I believe) and one would think that he is actively at work on the next project. I always enjoy stressing the fact that, despite the most obvious thing about him -- he's Bob's son ["Tell mi which CD do you think dem get? Di one closest to di Bob Marley boxset"] -- Jr. Gong is a wizard. Lyrically, the man is virtually peerless and what he is capable of is downright special. Hearing a brand new performance of his talents is always a gift. Hopefully he brings gifts next year and I think he will.
Ras Batch
Without looking anything up, I would probably say that Ras Batch releasing an album in the next twelve months would be THE biggest surprise if everyone on this list were to do the same. The last time we heard from him would have been on "Rootz & Kulcha" from early 2017 and if you know anything about Batch, he pretty much likes to do his albums by himself. Of course there're exceptions (one in particular) but he generally keeps production in-house via his own Sound V.I.ZIon imprint. That's fine but I think if he could, somehow, get into that never endingly active mix of Trinity Farm Music (like other VI artists, Ancient King, Abja, Danny I and even Akae Beka) it would see the rather reclusive Ras Batch to a greater level of frequency... and he can bring Ras Attitude with him! I don't think it happens but stranger things have.
Sara Lugo
Finally (technically. I'm writing this one last but she won't be listed last), you knew she was coming. How about a new Sara Lugo album for the new year?! Recently returning to the familiar ground of Oneness Records, the now VETERAN singer (Sara Lugo's probably getting towards (if not already) forty years old (that is RIDICULOUS!)) (further research reveals that she just turned 38!) could definitely freshen up 2026 via dropping album #4. It's been a minute (and four and a half years) since "Flowaz" ["Bring me flowers!"], so she's also due (...for an album) any year now and 2026 seems as good as any. I'm actually going to predict that this one does happen in the new year. Maybe it comes from Oneness, maybe not, but I suspect Funky Comfort will reign in 2026!
Luciano
I could definitely be wrong and I probably am but, off the top of my head, I THINK that the most recent studio album that we got from the great Messenjah, Luciano, was 2020's Oneness produced GIANT, "The Answer". He's had re-releases, remasters, greatest hits and compilations since then but, as far as I can tell, not an actual new album since it (he had one called "Return Of The Chronicles" which was an odd R&Bish re-working of some of his biggest hits that was really hard to listen to). That's fucked up... it just is. Even if I'm forgetting one, hopefully one of the greatest voices this music has ever produced and one of its longest serving soldiers comes back to us in a characteristically BEAUTIFUL way in 2026.
Mark Wonder
There was an EP back in '23 called "Reflections Of The Dragon Slayer" but I think that the last full album from the GOLDEN Mark Wonder remains 2020's "Remz Of The Dragon Slayer" (the man has been slaying dragons for a really long time). That album came from a very familiar source, Oneness Records and, not too long ago, Wonder appeared on their High Peak Riddim. I'm thinking that 2026 could be a very good time to get the old band back together again and see what could happen. What could happen has history as, way back in 2012 Wonder & Oneness teamed up on the aptly named "Working Wonders" which is, EASILY, one of THE best albums I have heard in my entire life. I think that it's time for a sequel ["WHO ELSE COULD IT BE?!"]. Will it actually happen??? I wouldn't bet on it.
Busy Signal
This one is very specific and I don't really think that it has a legit shot of happening but let me ask you something: How damn cool would it be if Busy Signal's next album came via the Zion I Kings?? Doesn't that sound pretty good?! Obviously, the thought arose as the well versatile Busy actually did cross paths with massive Reggae collective for a single, 'The Days', back in October. Now, if they could get together again.... this time for a full album, the results, just as the quality of the single would suggest, could be MASSIVE.
Jah Defender
Such a list from me these days HAS to include the currently flaming chanter from out of Trinidad, Jah Defender. Along with being quite active these days, he lays a giant claim to dropping THE single best tune that I heard in all of 2025 altogether 'Haile Selassie I', so of course I'm interesting in getting my hands on a full release in 2026. Magnifying matters is the fact that he's been doing a lot of work with one single outfit, House Of Riddim. I can DEFINITELY see HOR reaching with a full Jah Defender project in the new year and you know what? I think it WILL happen and if it does, at least on paper, this one will have Album of The Year potential in my opinion.
Reemah
I know that I said that these were listed in no order in particular but I specifically saved Reemah for last because she's probably my #1 in terms of how much I want it to happen. It has been a downright heinous soon-to-be eight years since her last set, "Breaking News", and... frankly I'm getting tired of waiting. This is some bullshit! Had I done this list last year or the year before, my prospects would have probably been higher. Today? Nope. I have none. I don't think this is happening. I do hope that I'm wrong but I'm not seeing one of the true, bona fide GENIUSES that we have today doing a new album in the new year. I'm just not.... but DAMN, I HOPE I'M WRONG!
Long legs. If you watch the replay of a sporting event, no matter how amazing it may've been originally, it loses a bit of its attraction. When you can ask Google who won and for a play-by-play, even the greatest of spectacles lose a bit of drama and lustre. Similarly, when you watch a great movie, the first time is, far and away, the greatest. It is the only time you'll see it and not know what's going on and be subject to all of its twists and turns. You may love it. It may hit you in emotions that no other movie approaches but after that initial viewing, it will NEVER be that good again. For the sake of comparison, think of your favourite song (or your ten favourite songs, even). Unless you've recently changed your mind, you probably cannot recall the very first time that you heard it. It holds no distinction directly or indirectly -- because you probably can't even tell me what you felt the first time you heard it -- because WHATEVER it is that you love about it is potentially replicated each and every time that you listen to it. Music is one of the very few types of entertainment that our species engage in that is immune to time. Sure, you can have certain things at work such as quality and technology may go a far way in dealing with such things (with how much producers of music love to remaster things) (and I'm not complaining. I recently heard what I believe to be a remaster of the title track of the album I'm currently reviewing) but even certain things in recordings that aren't necessarily perfect can be looked upon as adding to one's appreciation and affection of a particular song. You hear it today and you love it.... nearly thirty years from now you may still love it and for the very same reasons, regardless of where you may be in your life at the time (and how ridiculously different it may be from where you were the first time you heard it). We deal with Reggae around here, so while I never spend too much time speaking about a guy named Bob, I do think that it is worth mentioning that though Bob has physically been gone for nearly forty-five years, his greatest hits album, "Legend", continues to dominate the genre in sales as Billboard recently announced it was the best selling Reggae album in 2025... its SIXTH consecutive time taking top honours. Fifty years from now, I'm not surprised if the case is the same, as his music continues to find new audiences (if such a thing is even possible at this point) while maintaining the interest of his older ones despite the fact that the songs are the same. When you make genuinely high quality music, it hits like absolutely nothing else and it can, potentially, hit FOREVER.
If you do not like this song, leave and never come back
So does that will explain while I'm slapping a full review on a relatively random and obscure nearly thirty year old album from someone who definitely does not register amongst the biggest stars of Reggae music? Yep. It does. A few months ago, I stumbled upon a song from 1997 by the name of 'Rocky Foundation'. It was produced by the mighty Kariang and it CAUGHT ME. For some reason I cannot describe, this very random tune has remained on my players for the better part of the final quarter of 2025 or so. Ostensibly, there's very little remarkable about it; it is just A BEAUTIFUL SONG. The song was done a singer by the name of Daweh Congo who I have talked a bit about in the past but, as I look over to the tags on this page, he doesn't have one and because he was in the process of DESTROYING me with 'Rocky Foundation', I decided it was time to do something about it and it just so happened that Congo had an album at around the same time 'Rocky Foundation' was about and, listening to it these days, that album had also aged incredibly well.
"Militancy" was an album which received a decent bit of attention in its day (1997) and the years around it, if I recall correctly. Though somewhat obscure, it had secured a fairly decent following for Congo and these days is kind of regarded as more of an underappreciated gem of a set (did all I could to avoid using the word "underground" in there). It was, in fact, the debut album of the Kingston born Daweh Congo who, as the son of 70's Reggae singer, the late Leo Graham, would have had a bit of natural attention on him in the early stages of his career. The album came via the all kinds of interesting RUNNetherlands imprint who had a pretty decent run in their time as, along with "Militancy", they also worked with the likes of Tanya Stephens, Macka B, Prezident Brown, Panache Culture and others (like ET Webster) and really made a very nice contribution to Reggae music throughout the 1990's. "Militancy" remains perhaps their most well known release but RUNN did a more than respectable tour of duty in their day. The album was guided by the venerable Barry O'Hare and really went to establish a borderline (or a 'floor') level of quality for Daweh Congo which persists to this day (he has a tune coming in a few weeks by the name of 'Amharic Verse' which is EXCELLENT) ["Sing Amharic verse now. Hail Selassie First now"]. This man does not make bad music. He never has. Though he doesn't receive the attention in 2025 that he may've in... 2000 or so, that isn't his fault at all. Over the years, Congo has done some considerable work whether you realize it or not. Back in 2008, he released what I consider to be his greatest piece of work to date still in "Ghetto Skyline" (featuring the wholly damaging 'Blue Moon') (DO NOT -- I REPEAT, DO NOT -- LISTEN TO THAT SONG) (do so and you will never know peace again) but listening to "Militancy" these days... it isn't lagging very far behind at all and for those who did catch on in its earlier years, I can clearly see (hear) what would have been the attraction. When this album is at its pinnacle, there's a very BIG and inviting presence that it has. It isn't in the same way that I would say about the last album that I reviewed, "Andromeda: Sign of The Times" by Sydney Salmon & The Imperial Majestic Band but there is definitely something inherently attractive and damn near special about the way in which this album comes through to the listener AND I should also note (in this entirely too long sentence) that "Militancy" doesn't have any era. Though approaching its twenty-ninth birthday, it sounds modern, old school and everywhere in between. Let's get into it.
Daweh Congo's voice has always been somewhat similar to Burning Spear's to my opinion and I've heard others say that as well. When you place that in a more modern context (and I don't necessarily mean that in terms of time. I'm saying "modern" in respect to activity as you don't associate The Spear with jumping on someone's riddim), the results can be downright hypnotic (there was once a tune called 'Blue Mo.... nevermind. You don't need to know that) and in an unusual way. Congo's style can be therapeutic and challenging at the same time but it works to the tune of a largely undeniably high level of consistency. The first part of "Militancy" is somewhere in the stars and the very first part of the first part, 'Travel East', may just be the best part of all the parts (that's a lot of parts).
"From the old captured land, backra plantation
Lionheart hold a meditation
CHANTING FOR COUNTLESS REPARATION
From the wicked, from the wicked system
Inna far away land, I remembered Zion
INNA DESOLATE PLACE, JAH SHOWED ME HIS FACE"
Checking in HEALTHY, nearing five and a half minutes, 'Travel East' affords Congo all the time he needs to settle down and get comfortable on that SWEET riddim and what you end up with is such an impressive vibes and one which well puts you in the mind to hear what is to come after it. His voice, inherently, may not be the most emotive but you hear everything in this one. I hear Daweh Congo completely losing himself in singing this tune and it comes roaring through on this MAMMOTH opener. Charged with and up to the task of following 'Travel East' is the album's obligatory ganja tune, the downright stunning 'Coconut Chalice'. In a very basic level of quality - you just don't make ganja songs that sound THIS good to any type of frequency. 'Coconut Chalice' is SPECTACULAR as Daweh Congo approaches the 'topic' in a very broad way, covering virtually every single conceivable aspect in a gorgeous way. Next up is Congo's cut of Bob's Heathen Riddim, 'No Peace'. Congo finds his comfort and his harmony at home ["No peace is in foreign. My sistren, dem ah send greeting but no peace is foreign"]. Again, portions of this one, particularly the ending, are rapturous in a hypnotic type of way. He so much appears to lose himself in the vibes and, for the astute and curious listener, it is such a damn attractive quality to the work of Daweh Congo. 'Study Garvey' has probably gone on to become the most recognizable track on the whole of "Militancy" and it also ranks highly in its quality. I mentioned that I compare Congo's vocals to those of the legendary Winston Rodney and 'Study Garvey' is definitely something that you would find in the bag of the Burning Spear who idolized and celebrated the great Marcus Garvey like no other. Congo is up to the task as well.
"I man would like to reflect on the message that Marcus left
Cause if you look around, some no know self-reliance yet, not yet
So gather your thoughts and come along
Children, this is a chance for your freedom
If you're willing to be free - free from slavery
Come follow dem yah teachings of Marcus Garvey
Mek wi study Garvey, come mek wi study Garvey
Know yuh history and wi destiny
Mek wi study Garvey, come mek wi study Garvey
Know your history, further wi destiny
So why they teach about Columbus?
They don't teach Mosiah Garvey in school, in school
A propaganda dem spreading!
I wonder who dem tink dem ah fool, dem ah fool
Black man, I know something is wrong
You see, wi have been down for very long
But there's upful livity in strength & unity
Cause such is the teaching of old Mosiah Garvey"
The song is both exalting and tangible (as you would think Garvey, himself, would prefer) (he'd probably prefer 100% tangible, actually) - there is MUCH substance in this one. So, while you enjoy that beautiful sound (courtesy of the legendary Kette Drum Riddim) be sure to give ample attention to the words that you're hearing as well; failure to do so is failing to FULLY appreciate 'Study Garvey', at least in my opinion. I think that the vocals get a little too loose, at times (the chorus), on 'In America' but not enough to spoil the tune altogether. A social commentary about.... America, this one touches on things such as violence and governmental malfeasance. I'm damn curious as to what drove Congo (or whoever it was) to write this tune. It does have its moments but it, ultimately, does come off as somewhat awkward; and, given its length (it is the only other song besides the opener that is north of five minutes on "Militancy"), although not BAD, 'In America' is probably my least favourite tune on this album. If the ship needed righting (and it didn't), the semi-jovial 'Together Thing' takes care of that. This multi-faceted celebration (he literally celebrates EVERYTHING that comes to his mind) certainly isn't a GREAT song but it holds the place it has on "Militancy" as a positive addition to the vibes. Particularly, it shines musically. You can appreciate/enjoy this one on a very easy level and the message supporting it (albeit likely spread too thin) carries weight as well. I also feel inclined to mention the album's love song here, 'Love Is Real'. It isn't great but it isn't hindering either. It's just a kind of bouncing love song which is surely cursory but, to its credit, as 'Love Is Real' progresses, it does develop and, by its end, at least musically speaking, it's a fine bit of instrumentation.
The second half of "Militancy" begins in the same way that the first did with a very big tune, 'Jah Call Them' (again, biggup Burning Spear), which reaches atop the Drum Song Riddim ["Just mek dem secure!"]. Daweh Congo is prepared to answer HIS call and he suggests that the rest of us do as well when the time comes ["I CALL JAH UPON MY BLOOD CELL PHONE!"] because no such protection and guidance exists anywhere else. 'Jah Call Them' is just gorgeous and I have to say something about this... kind of subtle but entertaining amount of spontaneity that you get in the latter stages of it. It isn't the only time (or the first time) on the album but just listen to the ending of this tune and how much FUN it sounds like Congo is having while bringing it altogether. That's something that definitely adds to the listening experience for the listener - knowing how much it meant to the artist (or maybe that's just me being a nerd). Without question, 'Let Them Fight It' ranks as one of the project's finest offerings and it just may be its single best written piece.
"How many empty buckets broke in Standpipe?
How many homeless people?
How many sleepless nights?
When will those who have nothing pay the price for services the system never provide?
Politics is a trick, so systematic
A no poor no benefit, only rich get rich!
I can see the economical frigidness
Oh my advice is this: Don't put your life at risk"
"Some should go to trial and get a sentence
They are the ones who provoke the youths to violence
And then again, youth, you better watch yourself
No more politically motivated offense
Politics is a trick, so systematic
And in your jailhouse stint, there is no justice
When they give you firestick, do not accept
Oh my advice is this: Dem a terrorist!"
Congo dazzles during portions (pretty much all of it, actually) of 'Let Them Fight It' with his words and when you add in the fact that song also SOUNDS so damn good, you have a substantial piece of music on your hands from this album and the whole of his catalogue also. Congo pays a thick homage to the wonderful music that he and his peers make on 'Rythm Track'. You hear songs like this one and maybe you don't pay them much mind because you think they're just kind of... THERE and have no significance but that isn't the case with 'Rhythm Track' to my opinion (and, just generally speaking, I enjoy songs from this perspective). Congo deals with the power of the vibes and how they make people feel ["If you're happy and you love it, I say shout 'Forward!'"] and their importance in the world, while dealing with the behind the scenes matters as well. The Swing Easy Riddim plays the backdrop for another of the more recognizable tracks from "Militancy", 'Golden Text'. Find a book and get to work is the sentiment behind 'Golden Text'. You could take this one in a more educational direction, perhaps, but Congo's focus, unsurprisingly, is on text of a spiritual kind ["Study the golden text. Meditate now and retrospect"]. Between this song, however, and 'Study Garvey', you can see that such things are very important to Daweh Congo throughout "Militancy" - awareness, education, humility. And 'Golden Text' is just a nice vibe as well. It's very pleasing to listen to. Lastly, we FINALLY get to the title track where Congo is looking for a few fit and capable soldiers on behalf of His Majesty. It isn't a full-on physical war that he's recruiting for (although that may be involved at some points) it's more of a mental and spiritual group of warriors that he's searching for and doing so with a recruitment anthem that is divine. 'Militancy' is a very curious choice for this album's title in my opinion but the actual tune is FLAWLESS. It is such a beautiful vibe and it stands out on prominently on the album named after it. You could sorta/kinda call it a praising piece although that might not capture it entirely but that is surely a part of it. What I ultimately took from the closer is that Daweh Congo, again, is trying to put a bit of pride in the masses, while also challenging us to live more upful lives. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED, SIR.
Two things stood out for me that I want to circle back to briefly before I put a bow on this review: The first is something I alluded to more than once and told myself, intentionally, that I would stop mentioning; and that is just how many of these songs PICK UP as they go along. It came back to mind as I was listening to 'Militancy', because when you get three-ish minutes into it, there's a quick point where the music gets to BREATHE a little (it's closer to 3:16 if you're looking for it) and it seems to intensify (at least for me and maybe only me) after that. It is such a subtly powerful moment and it really just adds to the quality here and it makes me want to listen to this album more. The other thing I wanted to mention is completely ridiculous. I just wanted to take another opportunity to say just HOW DAMN GOOD 'TRAVEL EAST IS'.
"IN A DESOLATE PLACE, JAH SHOWED ME HIS FACE"
I WAS LOST! I WAS ON MY LAST LEGS AND HAD NOTHING GOING FOR ME AND HIS MAJESTY SHOWED ME THAT HE WAS STILL WITH ME! WHAT A SONG! WHAT A BEAUTIFUL SONG!
Overall, yes, I will continue to drool all over 'Travel East' and a few others here and you should join me. We often look at Roots music as being of a certain type of sound, where it is built on all of these certain themes and ideas and while that is certainly true and "Militancy" is no different, it's also VERY ENTERTAINING. I don't know if newer fans will appreciate it in the same way that more familiar heads DEFINITELY will... but I'm of the opinion that even if this is your very first interaction with the genre, that you can enjoy the MUSIC that you will hear on this album. It is of such a quality level that I think it can cross that bridge to some extent. For me, however, it's golden. "Militancy" is an impressive early career collection from an artist in Daweh Congo who, although he may have not (he hasn't) gone onto reach a level of superstardom in Reggae music, has established himself as a tremendously capable and consistent vocalist. If you need an example, check "Militancy" (and pretty much anything else he's made since): A random, nearly three decade old album that I just decided to review one day.
