'Expansion Pack': A review of "Mama Africa" by Jah Turban

See more. Though one wouldn't necessarily be inclined to call it one of the most technology-conscious genres, historically speaking, I do like the way that Reggae music has managed to evolve with the times in certain ways. Of course, sticking to more tried and tested traditions, in many ways, is for the best but at least noticing what is going on around you can definitely be a good and viable option. Today, where people don't buy even nearly as much music as they did only ten years ago and when they do, it is much less of the physical variety, which has become diminished due to the ultra convenience of the digital medium, we've seen much of the music head in that direction. Of the most notable absences has surely been the riddim album. Not very long ago, as an entire genre, one could well make the case that if you did not include greatest-hits and general mixed compilations, that riddim albums probably occupied the greatest shelf space when it came to Reggae CD's. The biggest labels at the time, VP Records and Greensleeves Records, both had powerful running series and the latter had more than one or two years in which they fed their Rhythm Album Series far, FAR more than they released albums from one of their SIGNED stars. And despite not having its ranks added to in nearly half a decade, VP's once mighty Riddim Driven still remains one of the most easily recognizable series in Reggae music history. But again, times have changed. Along with the deflating of the number of physical albums produced, altogether, one of the other more remarkable digital distinctions we've seen in Reggae music has been the formations of companies who, at least primarily, deal with the genre in its digital form. Certainly the one which most immediately comes to mind is the monstrous Zojak Worldwide who, seemingly so successful digitally, recently evolved on its own and has turned its attention to the physical market in releases from the likes of Tarrus Riley, Bugle and others. There has also been labels such as the downright strange Fox Fuse who… seems to be taking over the entire world (ALL OF IT!), largely in support of Soca music as well as VPAL, a division of the aforementioned VP Records who pays constant attention to both digital and physical sets. Also (in case you needed more) (and you looked like you did) (fix your face), another really nice digital development has been the relatively sudden sprouting of the Reggae EP. From some of the bigger names in the genre including the likes of Chronixx, Midnite, Sizzla Kalonji, Ziggi Recado, Bounty Killer and, soon, Spice, to the up and coming likes of Exco Levi, Kabaka Pyramid, Sara Lugo [WHAT!], Denham Smith and an incredible list of others, over the past five years or so, digital Reggae shelves have been absolutely overflowing with STRONG EP releases. 

"Africa Is Our Home" [2010]

One of the burliest of that lot came back in 2010 when a Spanish Town born chanter took his career to the proverbial 'next level' in not-so proverbial and usual terms with a MASSIVE EP. The chanter was Jah Turban, the release was "Africa Is Our Home" and the twist in the conditions of its arrival came largely due to the fact that the set was the fruit of the labour of Turban's work with a Danish based imprint by the name of S.J.P Records (which I am confident stands for Sky Juice Reggae Promotions). And though a big credit goes to the Danish Reggae scene for expanding since, at the time, I didn't know Denmark as one of the more Reggae-centric European spots (I mean… it would have ranked ahead of Macedonia or Kosovo) but a project like this definitely forced a closer look outside of the late and well talented Natasja who (would have turned 40 last week) (biggup Natasja) remains the most identifiable Danish name in the genre more than seven years following her transition. What I heard on "Africa Is Our Home" from both vocalist and producer was a LONG talent and, in both cases, clearly demonstrated someone(s) had either been at work for a long time or had been headed in the proper direction for a very much accomplished period together.

In either case, it made an immediate fan out of me with its kind of 'rough' sound. Jah Turban's style echoed of that of his peers such as Lutan Fyah and Jah Mason and Anthony B (more on him later) and I definitely wanted to hear more. I wanted an album! That wait would be entirely too long but thankfully You and I survived and it is the final quarter of 2014 and here it is! The debut album of mighty Denmark based Jamaican chanter, Jah Turban, "Mama Africa" is in stores now courtesy of S.J.P Records. DAMN! THANK YOU! Recently, Turban and S.J.P had been pushing a few digital singles and, I think, they even re-released the EP last year via the aforementioned VPAL (which is the case for the full album as well). I did notice all of those things at the time and I was just happy to get more new music from Jah Turban and, like what I had heard prior to it, those songs impressed on some levels. Still, I had absolutely no idea that the tunes were released ahead of what was to become one of the more anticipated releases we've seen on these pages, "Mama Africa". I've done it constantly so I will not detail it again but how spectacular has 2014 been for Reggae fans when it comes to albums??? It's getting even sweeter with this one! I do have to say that I was quite hopeful when it came to this one also. While Jah Turban hasn't been the most active vocalist since "Africa Is Our Home", he has managed to establish a range of quality and I was damn expecting to hear, at least, what made me such a admirer of his work four years ago. Can he do that? Let's see! 

Something else about Jah Turban's style which greatly interested me was, like his name might suggest, he just went about his business in a very straight forward manner. I did include Jah Mason's name as a point of comparison, and with decent reason (I have previously included Perfect Giddimani but that was… just wrong by me) as a basis but Turban doesn't have nearly as many of the emotional variations that the Mason does. He goes about his business in a very straightforward way and, obviously, it has worked well for him. It has also led us all to his solid debut set, "Mama Africa", which begins with its eponymous selection. This song was, in many ways, what I expected it to be. It is the drum-heavy effort on the album and on it Jah Turban gives a most appropriate praising to Mama Africa. I will say that this song almost comes off like an intro - I don't think that it was very planned out. There was the track and Turban, essentially, went off the top of his head with what he wanted to say. There isn't anything wrong with that in this case and the first piece work well for what it is. Things do, however, go considerably higher on the second song on "Mama Africa" which has to be considered one of its highlights by anyone, the SWEET 'Love Jah & Live'. 

"Love Jah and live

Hail HIM and we glorify HIM

Jah bless and sanctify and guide I & I

I see di wickedness going on out there -

It's just evil

World of people rise from di bad to be good - over evil

Be one of The Most High disciple

And you know The Most High Jah will guide you

that's why the Bobo man go bun out dutty bungle 

Yow, clean up your heart and stop from fumble

LISTEN TO DI WORD-SOUND AND STOP FROM GRUMBLE

PRAISE RASTAFARI AND EVERYTHING WILL BE HUMBLE"

For me the tune is more than just  one the albums "highlights", it is the single best song I hear on "Mama Africa" and a most powerful display of Jah Turban's ample abilities at his best. Charged with following that giant tune is a piece which neither fumbles nor grumbles, the very BRIGHT social commentary 'World Crisis'. This is a very nice composition to listen to - it has a very nice vibes to it and Turban utilizes the circumstances to turn in a big effort about the way that poor people are often mistreated and overlooked in society. I don't think that this song is likely to be one of the more popular from this album but definitely don't walk by it without taking an intense listen because it deserves it. And I will also mention - at the end of the first few songs on the album is one which actually does have a slightly different sound to it, 'Real Real Love'. Obviously this one is something of a love song but it isn't just one in the typical sense of the phrase. Turban gives it both a spiritual and historical type of approach and, in doing so, gives it a very nice 'hue' which makes it shine, particularly across that downright sugary track which carries it. 

As I mentioned, ahead of the arrival of "Mama Africa", Jah Turban and S.J.P Records gave us a taste of what was to come with some singles over the past few months or so. The first of these to actually appear on the album is another love song with a vibrant feel, 'She Love Me'. I did not like this song the first time that I heard it and I still won't rank it amongst my favourites from the album but it's probably a bit better than I gave it credit for being, especially in its late stages when Turban adopts an old-school Dancehall approach which is nice to hear. Also likely to be familiar to your eyes is 'Working Man' which is a better song than 'She Love Me' and should develop a nice following. This is a song not just about 'working', basically, it is about moving closer and closer to achieving your goals and aiding others in doing the same for themselves. I really like that aspect of the song because you've heard dozens of songs like this one, theoretically, but the facet of including HELPING SOMEONE as a personal achievement is a unique one and is very welcomed. Later are both 'Life Is' and 'Fiwi Time', which were also previously released singles. The former is a kind of a Dancehall track with a conscious twist to it and the latter isn't wholly dissimilar. HOWEVER, 'Life Is' is decent -- it is a solid track with a nice vibes -- 'Fiwi Time', on the other hand, has a special quality to it. That quality is most evident at its chorus which is sure to keep it firmly in the memories of fans - myself included. 

A pair of other songs with which you may be familiar are also brought in on "Mama Africa", 'Gambia' and 'Move Vampire'. 'Gambia' was a piece which reached somewhere between the EP and this album (maybe a year or  two ago) and it was probably one of the most highly regarded songs Jah Turban did in that span of time. As for 'Move Vampire', one could well make the case that it is THE most popular song Turban has ever done. This tune actually appeared on "Africa Is Our Home" and I think that it says a lot that, out of six songs, it is the only carryover to "Mama Africa". It was clearly a sizable song and was infectious so I'm not at all surprised to see it here where, just as it was on the EP, it is a standout (and I think that I've even heard a remix to this song as well). 

The three remaining selections on "Mama Africa" really do big things in their spaces with two of them, especially, being of definitive note. The other song, 'Summer Time' is an okay song which is virtually unlike anything else on this album or, unless I'm forgetting something, anything else I may have heard Jah Turban ever do. Still, if you listen to it enough (and I have) you're guaranteed to find yourself singing along with portions of it which I think was the likely goal with this one. Unbeknownst to me prior to listening to the album, the aforementioned Anthony B does make an appearance on the album on 'Rebel With A Cause' (and we couldn't find a version of the track list which said "featuring Anthony B" on the song and you would think that would be a nice thing to mention). 'Rebel With A Cause' did take a few spins to grow on me but you can call me a fan of that one now as the duo promote standing up for yourself and for your beliefs when you know are doing right, even when (and especially when) the go against the ways of the system. Lastly is a song which kind of snuck up on me because I didn't at all expect it to be this strong, 'Africa Bless'. 

"Mi touch a foot down inna Africa - oh yes

Oh what a bless up inna Africa - oh yes

How powerful Mama Africa - oh yes

A joy mi ah tell yuh inna Mama Africa - oh yes

Mi seh behold Mama Africa

Brightness rise in Mama Africa - what a bless

Stop di war inna Africa - oh yes

Di bloodshed fi stop inna Mama Africa"

The song has an equal at least in 'Move Vampire' but… that's it, aside from 'Love Jah & Live' it is as good as and better than the rest of this album in my opinion. It is THAT good and given SJP's and Jah Turban's proclivity for pushing singles, hopefully it does get its time to shine and I really do think that it will (why not?!). 

Jah Turban

Overall, "Mama Africa" is precisely the all-around solid set that I was hoping for and expecting. I would have liked to see another combination with a singer (maybe even one with a female) because I think that style would definitely match well with Jah Turban's and I don't know if I have ever heard a piece like that from him to date. I also would like to mention that despite not having too much variation in terms of sound, this album is very pleasing on the ears and I don't think that changing course too much would be very beneficial given what the chanter does well. "Mama Africa" is ultra straightforward and streamlined modern Roots Reggae music and that is what works best with Jah Turban and, clearly, S.J.P Records. And it goes back to one GIANT EP release in "Africa Is Our Home" which brought up a name, Jah Turban, who I am damn glad that we kept an eye on for the past four years.

Rated: 3.75/5

S.J.P Records

2014

CD + Digital

Review #533

Post #1400!

Jah Turban Returns To "Mama Africa"!

"Mama Africa" by Jah Turban [S.J.P. Records/VPAL]

1. 'Mama Africa'

2. 'Love Jah and Live'

3. 'World Crisis'

4. 'Real Real Love'

5. 'Rebel With a Cause'

6. 'She Love Me'

7. 'Summer Time'

8. 'Working Man'

9. 'Africa Bless'

10. 'Gambia'

11. 'Life Is'

12. 'Move Vampire'

13. 'Fi Wi' Time'

Big big news this week as someone whose name we've been chanting up from a very, very long time ago, the wicked Jah Turban has recently reached with his much anticipated debut album, "Mama Africa", via S.J.P. Records. The Jamaican born/Denmark based chanter has been on our radars heavily since he pushed one of the most impressive EP's that Reggae music has produced recently (and if you follow EP's, you know just how heavy of a statement that is), "Africa Is Our Home", way back in 2010. With that set, he showed himself to be a mightily impressive talent and someone who we definitely made sure to keep an eye on for the future. 

"Africa Is Our Home" [2010]

What we wanted most, of course, was a full album release and, though it did take some time, "Mama Africa" is now currently available. It's interesting that Turban and SJP have recently set about releasing some new singles from the chanter and, if I recall correctly, they even re-released the full EP. Obviously they had a proper goal in sight, with album coming up so soon [THANK YOU!]. So, some of the tunes well look familiar such as 'Fi Wi Time', 'Life Is', the relatively recent 'She Love Me' and others - and you also may recognize the blistering 'Move Vampire' which was one of our two biggest favourites from "Africa Is Our Home" ('Babylon Doom' being the other) ["Babylon U Doom!. Doom, doom, yuh doom. Sweep dem up with Emanuel broom!"]. And much of the clips from the new material sounds very promising as well ('Love Jah and Live' in particular) and I'm really looking forward to hearing the full project. 

And I know you are as well and you do not have to wait. "Mama Africa", the debut album from Jah Turban from SJP Records and VPAL is currently available on many digital outlets [see note] and you can also get the physical CD directly from SJP Records. It should be a very strong release and you can expect a full review when we get our hands on it. BOOM!


[Note: Digitally releases wide on October 28]

Extended Play: The Best Reggae EP's

Of the many nice recent developments that the digital medium has brought to Reggae music, definitely one of the most interesting has been the proliferation of the Reggae EP. In just a short while, we’ve seen it used in nearly countless ways; be it just ahead of albums, to meet the demand of music from or to entirely introduce a new artist, or even just as collections from an established name, EP's have flooded the scene and, already, are quite difficult to keep track of as they are released at very impressive rates. Today, however, we place a cap on things and examine some of the best EP’s to date. Extended Play: The Best Reggae EP's

{Note: No multi-artist compilations}

{Note 2: Though it sticks to the last few years, we intentionally avoided any 2014 releases}

{Note 3: No Soca}

#10. "Same Difference" by Ziggi Recado [Rock 'N Vibes - 2010]

Ziggi Recado's "Same Difference" album definitely had a multi-purposed direction. Of course, it existed to push more great music from Ziggi and would arrive, ultimately, a year ahead of his next full release, but it also served as a kind of reintroduction of the artist to the masses. Previously known as just 'Ziggi', as you can see emblazoned on the cover for "Same Difference", this release would mark Ziggi's official renaming as 'Ziggi Recado' (and in a genre like Reggae where Ziggis and Ziggys aren't very difficult to find at all) and, in retrospect, they chose a very clever way to make things certified and official. Musically speaking, "Same Difference" was also interesting. Featuring more than one production of Necessary Mayhem, including the very popular 'Ganja Smoke In The Air' [bka 'Joker Smoker'] would also feature the legendary Marcia Griffiths as well as the WICKED 'Baddest'. 

#9. "Not The Same" by Denham Smith [Oneness Records - 2013]

Almost serving as something of an addendum to his debut album, "Come Wid It", which arrived just a year before, Denham Smith's HUGE EP set from 2013, "Not The Same" really just continued the introductory phase for many to this wonderful talent. Vibed courtesy of the outstanding Oneness Records from out of Germany, this project was probably one of the best promoted on this list and, as you got into the music, you quickly figured out why. Pinnacled by an absolutely enormous title track and an opener in 'If A Me Alone’, "Not The Same" was sublime! Also present was 'The System', a very underrated track in my opinion and other gorgeous contributions as well. The virtually inescapable Jah Sun featured.

#8. "Same I Ah One" by Midnite [I Grade Records - 2013]

As the latest in an ever increasing and expanding cache of good ideas from I Grade Records, just a few years back, the biggest label in the Virgin Islands turned to the idea of producing pre-album EP's. And if I recall correctly (and I never do), the very first of these was born for the "Kings Bell" album from Midnite in 2011. On the most recent set, the label returned to Midnite in a big way as, just ahead of the then forthcoming "Beauty For Ashes" was an EP release surrounding the album's first single, "Beauty For Ashes". Most remarkable here, perhaps, was the  fact that - along with the actual song and four more mixes of it, the "Same I Ah One" EP answered some big questions of the album. This set dealt exclusively with combinations. Pressure Busspipe featured on the title track, while Ras Batch and Lutan Fyah would also answer the call on 'Weather The Storm' and 'When Jah Arise', respectively. As was the case with "Kings Bell', "Beauty For Ashes" also turned out quite well and definitely this set helped to peak interests. 

#7. "Sara Lugo"  [Oneness Records - 2009]

The debut self-titled EP from German powerhouse Sara Lugo, would arrive a couple of years ahead of her outstanding debut album, "What About Love", and it would also include a pair of her best songs ever. Both 'Rock Steady' (the best version of the song) and 'Familiar Stranger' appeared here as did the lovely 'Mother & Child' and even 'And They Cry' alongside Naptali (which I had forgotten was on this set). Ultimately, what this set is best remembered for, at least by me (besides the two giant songs), is for helping to bring to attention, formally, one of the absolute most delightful and fascinating artists in Reggae music today (and, looking back, one of the most in both cases in a very loooooooooong time). Lugo has gone on to become a favourite of ours in the years since and this EP helped to ignite what is sure to be a fantastic career. 

#6. "Africa Is Our Home" by Jah Turban [SJP Records - 2010]

You may have missed it but, back in 2010, a release came via the wicked Denmark based Jamaican chanter, Jah Turban, "Africa Is Our Home", which has gone on to become one of my favourite and one of the most meaningful EP releases to date (even though its four years on and we're still waiting for an album). Through the set's six tracks, Turban dazzled and, in some cases, did so in an unforgettable manner. Highlights here included 'Babylon Doom', the title track and definitely the big closer, 'Move Vampire'. The other three selections, still, were very good as well - in 'Mystic Of Jah' (especially that one), 'Show Some Love' and 'My Empress' Jah Turban showed more top notch talent and though he doesn't seem to be as active these days as I would have hoped, Jah Turban will likely always be someone whose releases I keep an eye and an ear on for the foreseeable future and much of that is because of what we heard on "Africa Is Our Home". 

#4. "Raise Hell on Hellboy" by Bounty Killer [Payday Music - 2009]

Grrrr! After all of these years, the prospects of finding a seemingly perfectly angered version of Bounty Killer in a fine form remains one of the biggest attractions that Dancehall music has to offer. Though he can be consistent, as has typically been his case, the Killer needs a bit of a 'challenge' and extra 'motivation' and he had bountiful amounts of both back in 2009 when he released 'Raise Hell On Hellboy for the wonderful people at Payday Music. For what they were, this EP carried a couple of bonafide classics in 'Mi Enemies' and the devastating 'Chatta Box' and songs such as 'Ungrateful Hellboy' weren't extremely far behind. Obviously, most… okay, ALL of the arsenal here was aimed in the direction of former Killer protégé, Vybz Kartel and it never really did pinnacle in the way it likely should have (and now it never will, or at least not until they're both very, very old men), but hearing the Killer at his destructive best, as I said, is something I could just never tire of.  

#4. "J Boog" [Washhouse Music - 2011]

Not very far at all ahead of his the forthcoming and heavily anticipated album, "Backyard Boogie", the sweet singing J Boog put together a compilation of some of the things he had been working on up to that point and released eight tunes and nearly half an hour's worth of it on this sublime self-titled EP. The main attraction here was the tune which was (and remains) the main attraction of his entire career, the Don Corleon produced 'Let's Do It Again', but it wasn't alone. I came back to this release and had completely forgotten the quality of songs such as 'Coldest Zone', 'So Far Gone', ESPECIALLY 'It's So Hard', 'Every Little Thing' and others still. An EXCELLENT release and 2014 would be a lovely year for a new album from J Boog in my opinion and in yours too.

#3. "Liberation" by Ziggi Recado [Dredda Records - 2012]

Just a couple of years ago, Ziggi Recado, again, did something really interesting with an EP release. Where the first entry on this list had the intention of reintroducing the artist, "Liberation", one could make the argument, also did the same thing and it did it in a way which was hard not to pay attention to. First of all, the set was his first of substance following the split between Recado and his longtime homebase, Rock 'N Vibes, and for it he linked with our friends at Dredda Records… twice. Though officially an EP, "Liberation" was basically an album dosed out in two volumes over the course of about six months or so. The first edition was impressive with big tunes such as 'Rising', 'Green Medicine' and 'Merciless' shining (biggup Oneness), but the second volume was even better. It carried the single best tune on the whole of this project which was the title track (one of the greatest lyrical assaults of Ziggi’s career in my opinion) as well as golden tracks such as 'Pure N Divine', 'The Anchor' alongside Mr. Mojo from Morgan Heritage, 'Till The End', 'Nothing But Love', 'Balance' and… I've just named every song on the EP as Ziggi Recado just snuck an extra album in on everyone.  

#2. "Lively Road" by Smiley [Love & Unity Music - 2010]

"I just caaaaaaaaan't take the distance no mooooooooooooore!" I'd have to wait even longer for an album from Aruban born Dutch standout, Smiley, but what he did back in 2010 in the form of "Lively Road" made the waiting a bit easi… actually no it didn't make it easier - it made it harder! "Lively Road" was MAMMOTH! It took some of the tunes (two in particular) which really helped to bring Smiley and his infectious style to prominence and placed them on a single project and that project was sublime. Of course present were both 'Distance' and Smiley's first big hit 'Dem A Wonder' alongside Junior Kelly, but it also offered the House of Riddim produced 'Big Money Bag', the title track, 'Da Weed' and other very sizable moments. Also, and this is a quality shared by the top three entrants on this list, "Lively Road" came off like an album and a good one. The songs ran so nicely together and it really had this downright seamless presentation which isn't always in attendance on EP's. 

#1. "Lead The Way" by Kabaka Pyramid [Bebble Rock Music - 2013]

And at the top of the list and leading by example is the scalding Kabaka Pyramid who, just last year, did wonders with his own 'EP', "Lead The Way". Checking in at ten tracks and nearly forty minutes (and it had bonus songs and a deluxe edition which made it even longer), if they'd call this his debut album, I don't think anyone would have had a problem with it (it probably would have made our best albums list and likely its top ten) and his subsequent debut album (and 2014 will just be incomplete if it doesn't give it to us) will have some considerable work to do in topping this EP. In my opinion, these days the Pyramid has very little in the way of peers when it comes to lyrics -- he is SURELY one of the best in Reggae music today -- and if you haven't noticed that, tunes such as 'King Kabaka', 'Lead The Way', 'LIBERAL OPPOSER'… (and I'm on my way  to naming every tune here again) showed that fully. What he is capable of doing with the spoken word these days is as impressive as anyone and he did SPECIAL things in that arena with "Lead The Way": The Best Reggae EP.

Artist of The Month: Meet Jah Turban!

Jah Turban

Meet Jah Turban! I know what you’re thinking, believe me I do - “Achis you haven’t done an artist of the month in years and years”. And you’re right, I haven’t, but I had a good excuse - I didn’t feel like it. But now, motivation restored, I’m going to tell you about an artist who has to be one of my favourites RIGHT NOW (in terms of his progression), that I’ve covered thus far, Jah Turban. The WICKED Spanish Town born chanter becomes only the second Jamaican born artist that I’ve featured thus far (after Naptali) and with good reason. Although he was born in Jamaica, Jah Turban doesn’t flow inside the same ‘typical’ channels. No. Chances are you may not have even heard of some of the labels and producers which he has voiced for, because like so many acts these days, Turban has found his calling and his audience in the Reggae starving Europe. However, he hasn’t gone to usual places such as the UK, Germany, France or even The Netherlands. No, Jah Turban has made his musical home in Denmark of all places and has made his international name making music for labels such as my good friends at Burton Records for whom he dropped ‘Perseverance’ on their Strike Back Riddim [pictured] late last year.

And perhaps even more notably, Jah Turban recorded the hype herbalist tune, ‘Pass Me The Ganja’ for Juicy Halftone’s HUGE riddim project, the Alis [pictured], earlier this year as well as having reached Food Palace’s popular Colliemonster track from last year as well. The latter composition featured Jah Turban on the riddim alongside such stars as Sizzla Kalonji, Vybz Kartel, Turbulence, Prezident Brown and even the late Natasja.

I’d like to make a connection between the artist’s name and going into his actual style. While certainly he is a dynamic Roots Reggae artist, Jah Turban’s style, as his name might suggest, can definitely be described as ’no frills’. There are no Hip-Hop 'flavours' or ’overtures’ in his style, it’s just straight chanting for His Imperial Majesty and it just so happens that I LOVE that style (obviously). Certainly place Turban in the area of others such as Lutan Fyah, Jah Mason, Anthony B, Perfect etc. and what I think most distinguishes himself from them is his approximation of ENERGY. I really like the way he seems to basically throw himself on the track, with full passion and even when the intensity isn’t SO high, he still really goes after the riddim.

So obviously the next step for Jah Turban, after having dropped quite a few singles and appearing on international compilations, is an album. We’re still waiting on that, however, to hold the vibes high until such time, Jah Turban has linked with yet another Danish imprint, SJP Records which is blessing the masses with a VERY nice six track EP from the artist which is not to be missed, ”Africa Is Our Home” [pictured].

The EP features what is probably Turban’s biggest tune to date and the one for which he has a video, the outstanding (and Lutan Fyah-ish) ‘Babylon U Doom’, as well five other really impressive selections, including ‘Move Vampire’ which sounds VERY promising (you can hear the entire thing on Juno). The EP is set to be internationally released, digitally, on December 3 (and we’ll be picking it up), but if you do not want to wait, you can pick it up right now at SJP’s website, Skyjuice.dk. Despite the fact that he’s apparently fully based in Denmark, I definitely would like to see Turban return to the Caribbean and start mixing amongst some of the more familiar producers, but that’s certainly not to say that he is suffering where he is, because apparently SJP, whoever they may be has been really good to him and he, in turn, has been really good to the fans - Releasing QUALITY material.

So keep an eye and two ears out for Jah Turban. The EP drops worldwide on December 3 and hopefully we can get to know him a bit better (album album album!) in 2011, because a very strong talent like his is just too fucking big for Denmark right??? (biggup Denmark!).

Jah Turban @ Myspace