"One Degree Hotter" by Machel Montano [Monk Music - 2025]
First up today (as I write this on, literally, THE morning of Carnival Monday), is Trini Soca superstar, Machel Montano, who returns with a brand new album for 2025, "One Degree Hotter" (very clever title because Montano received his degree last year). Anytime Montano reaches with... pretty much anything there is going to be a big response and, at least as far as albums go, I've been very happy to see the early attention being paid to "One Degree Hotter" has been very heavy. As usual, the project contains virtually Montano's entire season with maybe a song or two that either you haven't heard at all or that didn't get much run this year. All of his biggest efforts are here such as 'Home Is Where The Heart Is' with Bunji Garlin and Mical Teja, 'Bet Meh', 'Pepper Vine' alongside Drupatee & Lady Lava and Jus Now & DJ Private Ryan which netted Chutney Soca Monarch 2025 just last night (and is EXCELLENT), personal favourites 'Wave It' and 'Fallen Fetters' with Skinny Fabulous and Road March contender (and I may just wait a couple of days to post this, and come back to change this to RM Winner), 'Pardy' (YEP! He won). We got big names making Soca albums last year like Garlin, Fay-Ann Lyons and Kes but 2025 figures to be a slow year with, EASILY, "One Degree Hotter" being the biggest shot thus far.
"Reggae Frequency" by Tiwony [7 Seals/Evidence Music - 2025]
A couple of years ago, longtime favourite of ours, Gwada fire breather, Tiwony, returned with what seemed like his first new album in an eternity, "Frequency" and now, seemingly to make up for lost time, the man is back with its nearly immediate followup, "Reggae Frequency". As the title would suggest, the new album focuses more on straight Roots Reggae music where its predecessor was more varied and you definitely appreciate the effort to make such a LARGE project, spanning a couple of years. The second half is FUN, featuring helping hands from the likes of Chezidek, King Kalabash, Bobby Hustle and others with standouts including the likes of the remix of 'Long Road' (with Chezi), 'The Plug' (with Bobby Hustle and Yung Tripp), 'Chrysantémes', the mad closer, 'Dread [Reggae Frequency]b and 'Lévé' with BadSam and Jahlia.
'Future' by Sizzla & Bushman [Lockecity Music/Kalonji Music Production - 2025]
Apparently, we're not too long away from the next album release from Reggae legend, Sizzla Kalonji. Over the past few years or so, that hasn't been a very attractive thing to say as Kalonji has put out his fair share of substandard sets but if ever there were a reason to be intrigued by the forthcoming "Scrolls Of Kalonji" (besides the title being REALLY COOL), there's this first single and, on paper, MASSIVE combination 'Future'. The tune actually has the nerve to pair Sizzla with big voiced veteran singer, Bushman which, I THINK, is a first for them and comes courtesy of Lockecity. Just that, alone, well had my attention well before I laid ears on the tune and, as it turned out, the results were pretty strong as well as the two team up to push a vibe uplifting the young people of the world. If this is any indication (and DAMN, I HOPE IT IS), "Scrolls Of Kalonji" just may have a good chance to reverse recent course which would be great because I could really go for a GOOD SIzzla Kalonji album in 2025.
The Middle East Riddim [Greatest Friends/Evidence Music - 2025]
Biggup Greatest Friends Records from out of France (a label I'm most familiar with for their work with Queen Omega over the years) for their latest release, a cut of the Middle East Riddim, featuring a VERY interesting trio of singers. Last year, GFR would drop "Holding On", a solid set from King Lorenzo (who, suddenly, seems to be VERY popular these days and good for him!), which carried a tune by the name of 'Let Them Try' ["It's a rock road when you ah exalt Jah name. Heavy load, but wi nah go shame"], his tune on the Middle East. Joining Lorenzo are the mighty Chezidek and the woefully under-recorded Zareb (just wish we heard more from him), with 'It's No Crime' and 'Can't Fight Me', respectively. All three are at least very solid pieces of work, with Chezidek taking top honours in my opinion with a SWEET herbalist anthem.
"Meditation" by The Nazarenes [I Grade Records - 2012]
You can definitely owe this one to "Strength & Resilience", the latest GOLDEN album release from Lutan Fyah, I Grade Records and the Zion I Kings. In doing some backgrounding (yep, that's a verb now too) for that review, I started going back through the relationship of artist and label and got back to this somewhat forgotten GEM of an album, the baker's dozen year old, "Meditation" by Eritrean bros. The Nazarenes. Lutan Fyah would feature on 'It's Too Late' (Akae Beka also makes an appearance), during an album which is just best described these days as SOLID. There wasn't a creaking plank to be found anywhere amongst the fourteen with the biggest winners being the likes of 'Mamy Blues'... I say there wasn't a weak tune on the album and then I start naming songs. Nope! The entire album was, basically, a highlight and I'm of the thinking that YOU may've missed this one. Be that the case, go and do something about that right now because I'm done writing for the day.
"Rightful Ruler" by Earl Sixteen [Zion High Productions - 2022]
First up today is the latest from our old friends at Zion High Productions and the Zion I Kings as they recently pushed a more than solid EP from venerable Jamaican vocalist, Earl Sixteen, "Rightful Ruler". The eight tracks are comprised of four actual tunes with dubbed out version of each tune and, as you expect from both artist and label/s, it is EXCELLENT! For my listening 'habits' Earl Sixteen has generally been someone who I don't find myself listening to nearly enough as, virtually every time I do dive into his work, I am greatly impressed. "Rightful Ruler" is definitely not an exception as it comes out swinging with its mighty initial effort, the downright ROYAL sounding 'Jah Earth'. Subsequent offerings, both the title track and 'Take Some Time', definitely keep the vibes high, but I have to say that taking top honours on "Rightful Ruler" has to be 'Find A Way' which features Mr. Williamz in a golden form.
"Well natty dread deh yeah fi step it
It no really matta anyway you waan tek it
System - a just to how dem set it
500 years, Binghi man nah forget it
Up inna di hills pon di farm where wi headed
Dung inna di city, yow a pure blood shedded
Marcus Garvey did dun come set it
And Earl Sixteen just ah sing out di message
Watch ya now-
I & I ah express it
Teach di ghetto youths, mek dem know seh wi blessed
Love an unity, wi haffi expect it
Don't let di wickedness get embedded
Certain type a thinking, Jah know wi haffi left it
Certain type a teaching, wi nah accept it
Youth inna di ghetto dem call mi aggressive
And then ah talk bout wi non-progressive
That is why -
I've got to find my way back home
And no more will I roam
Cause it's been so long-
We've been down inna babylon
And there's no place for the Rastaman"
'Find A Way' was probably amongst the best... ten or so tunes that I heard from ANYONE in 2022 and, for what it was, "Rightful Ruler" was DEFINITELY one of tehe year's strongest EP's altogether as well.
"Look To The East" by Junior Campbell [Love Injection Production]
Quietly, one of my favourite labels over the past couple of decades or so has been Love Injection Production from out of the UK, as they've provided some well sturdy releases from the likes of Turbulence, Everton Blender, Mykal Rose and others, so when they do work, I try to pay attention. In early 2023, Rowen Johnson and company are back and work (twice, actually) with the debut album (I THINK) from sweet singing Jamaican vocalist, Junior Campbell, "Look To The East". Best known as the song of the legendary Cornell Campbell, Junior is set to build a legacy of his own and, judging from the early returns off of this one, he's doing quite well for himself. Along with the lovely eponymous piece, "Look To The East" contains a few other big tunes such as 'Give Jah the Glory', 'Nah Lef' and a pair of covers of his father's catalogue, 'Stars' and 'Boxing'. I'm still working on this one, but it sounds quite pleasant so far so definitely take it out for a listen, yourself.
{Note: Love Injection also has a new album out for Glen Washington, "Mr. Washington"}
"The Message Album" by Ginjah [Black Metro Music]
It was my intention originally to review "The Message Album", the latest body of work from big-voiced veteran singer from out of Hanover, Ginjah but, after listening to it quite a bit, I didn't think much of it, actually and I didn't have much passion for it (and, maybe it's just me, but this album seemed to have some type of 'disconnect' to it. There were several songs which seemed like the vocals and riddim weren't exactly in synch). A month or so later, while things still haven't changed on that front altogether (I'd be shocked if I ended up ever reviewing this album), it has found its way back on my players. I never thought it to be BAD to any degree, there just... wasn't much of anything in the way of SPECIAL for better or for worse. That isn't to say there wasn't good material here, however, and tunes such as 'I Love Papa', definitely 'Soul Lady' and the single best tune here, 'Jah Jah Real' were and remain something more than average.
Tiwony [7 Seals Records]
Sickeningly, it's been over eight years from the last time Achis Reggae favourite, Tiwony, released a full length album. That set came, late 2014's "Roots Rebel", came via one 7 Seals Records so, as you might imagine, I got very interested when I saw that the same label (which, I think, is his own) had recently put out a pair of singles, the anchoring 'Rumours Of War' and 'Don't You Worry'. The former, vibed (and written, I THINK) by veteran Randy Valentine is a GORGEOUS social commentary, while the latter -- as its title would suggest -- is more of a love song with a very interesting pacing and arrangement of the delivery. It's also a very FUN vibe and carries a lot of POSITIVE energy. You know what I went to thinking when I saw two new singles from the same label in relatively short order (about five weeks in between their releases).... and it was true, as our research reveals that coming soon (maybe in February) is the brand new album from Tiwony on 7 Seals Records, "Frequency" and I cannot fucking wait!
The Bank Of Devon Riddim [Twelve Tribes Entertainment]
This one, I've forgotten to remember quite a few times when doing one of these... probably because I don't LOVE it, but it does have one tune which absolutely kills me. Biggup DJ Jahmar who sends his latest creation (might not be true anymore, actually), via Twelve Tribes Entertainment, the all kinds of interesting Bank Of Devon Riddim. If you've read these things to any degree, then you can probably guess what type of track this is although it is a bit different. The BOD, though definitely Dancehall, has an unusual and almost Arabian sounding vibes to it. It makes for a pretty good backdrop for Red Fox (who well impresses on his 'Badda'), TrapShotta Rally and Kiprich. HOWEVER. what remains of the riddim is put to the sword as WASP DESTROYS it with his track, 'Bob Marley' ["Man a rockstar like Bob Marley"].
"Mi shot di sheriff, but mi neva shot di deputy
Wi set trend, dem send threat, caan get to me
Never lef mi guitar, be careful how you step to me
UNDERESTIMATE ME, NOW DEM GYAL AH OPEN SESAME
Inna overdrive, put in work, lef a legacy
Bunny a di Wailer, Peter Tosh a wid di energy
Deadly combination: Hennessy mixed with enemy
Gal ah set di ting, Tuff Gong a di remedy
Bob Marley
Bob Marley
Bob Marley
Man a rockstar like Bob Marley"
"Reggae Max: Anthony B" [Jet Star - 2002]
And in our 'blast from the past' section this time - I've been listening to quite a bit of Anthony B lately. Though he didn't have a new album for us last year, he did deliver a fairly strong steady set of singles and I am well looking forward to what is to come in 2023. As is my habit, when you give me good NEW stuff to enjoy, I go mining! As of late, I have landed on this wonderful little gem from more than two decades ago now. Once upon a time, when Jet Star was in full swing, they had a very useful complation series by the name of Reggae Max. The were used on a variety of different names; from the legends, Dennis Brown, Marcia Griffiths and Gregory Isaacs; up to the currents such as Beres Hammond, Lloyd Brown and Glen Washington. A few artists even had two installments of Reggae Max such as Sizzla Kalonji, Beenie Man and Luciano. It was just a HEALTHY series (and I didn't even mention Garnet Silk, Peter Gunnigale, Alton Ellis etc.). In 2002, Anthony B would receive the RM treatment and his 18 track set would be amongst the very best of the contemporary run of Reggae Max' existence. The tune that I have focused on most from this one has been the BRILLIANT 'Me Dem A Ban', but this album also contained about ten full-on damaging, conquering tunes. 'Waan Back', 'Bobo Cloth', 'All Jah Children', 'God Above Everything', 'Universal Struggle', 'Damage', '$20 Coin' were all on Anthony B's Reggae Max album - still worth digging up after all of these years.
{Note: The digital version of this album has sixteen tracks, the physical edition had eighteen. The two differences are 'Mr. Heartless' and 'More Life'}
If we were to compile a list of the ten most naturally gifted and talented Reggae artists of the day, somewhere on that list, and likely in somewhere in its top half, you'd find the name Tiwony. Like several of his more well known peers such as the Sizzlas, Capletons and I-Octanes of the world, the Gwada chanter comes with a style which is just as planted firmly in the Dancehall as it is within the Roots Reggae spectrum and like only THE most talented of them, Tiwony has managed, already, to put together a career which has absolutely dazzled his fans and is winning many more ears along the way. Where he does manage to distinguish himself from the lot, however, is by having a style which is simultaneously and equally BEAUTIFUL and GRIMY. His music can be very much 'rough around the edges', but it almost always appears to be by design, because whether by education or by nature, when he wants to be, he is one of the very few artists around today (and ever) who can make flawless music). At his best, the results are some of the most powerful of the current era. To date, he's made three BIG solo studio albums, which we now have another listen to. Discography: Tiwony
{Note: Intentionally did not include street albums, "Plis Difé", "Mon Itinéraire" and "Difé Lyrical"}
(Note 2: Even though the first and last of them are wicked and worth tracking down}
{Note 3: Actually they're all very good}
The music of Tiwony
"Fly" [High Top - 2007]
'Priyé Jah'
Soaring. Prior to striking out on his own, subsequently extremely successful, solo career. Tiwony was part of a duo alongside FéFé Typical, which would produce a pair of albums, "Double Trouble Express" and "Revolution" (an exceptional album), which helped to add much in the way of anticipation to his forthcoming debut solo set (and I don't think that Typical has had a solo album to date yet), which would eventually become the WICKED "Fly" album. Although on the brief side, with just eleven tracks in all, the album would show Tiwony near the height of his powers and if it was your introduction to him at the time, it showed that you had really been missing something special as the artist hit a level of genuine lyrical perfection more than once on the release. From the title track, to 'Priyé Jah' (probably my favourite song from this album these days), of course 'Longtime', 'Oupatébizwentousa" [BOOM!] and others, "Fly" was something special and one of the better debut album since the turn of the century. Typical, Straïka D, Cali P and others guested.
"Viv La Vi" [Blackwarell Sound Inc. - 2009]
'Pagan's Eyes' w/Ras Zacharri
Full up. If you looked closely at the cover of Tiwony's second album, "Viv La Vi", you see written just under the 'N-Y' portions of the artist's name "and Bredrens", which definitely tells you quite a bit about the album behind the visuals: There was just A LOT going on here. Nearly half of the album's twenty tracks (which combined, in full, for a playing time more than an hour and fifteen minutes) were combinations with the likes of Lyricson, Ras Zacharri, Speedy [twice], ProfA and others stopping by. Besides that, it was just a frenetic type of a project, with even some of the slower sets, such as the title track, the WICKED 'Ka Nou Ka Atan Anko' and its finest tune altogether in my opinion, 'Jah Is My Guide' with ProfA, just being these incredibly involved selections. When the flames started, they gave this stacked album another mighty dimension with songs such as 'Full Up Stamina', 'Mouille Le Maillot', 'Pep La Ni Maw ' [MAD!] setting the course. 'Viv La Vi' has aged very well with its most popular tune likely being the very well promoted 'Pagans Eyes' alongside Zacharri, as well as the title track and a VERY strong case could be made that it was, in fact, Tiwony's finest album to date.
"Cité Soleil" [Blackwarell Sound Inc. - 2011]
'Neva Give Up'
Shine on. Despite being well respected in its time (and even beforehand with all of the nice singles Tiwony dropped prior to its release), "Cité Soleil" would go on to be an album which, at least in my opinion, never really got the respect it was due via its quality. Like its predecessor, it also had quite a few big names tuning in and turning up to join Tiwony as Anthony B & Gyptian [on the same track]:
"Di key of life man know a survival
Nah get caught up in a war weh tribal
Nah eat no food if you know it no ital
Haffi stand up firm inna earth, it vital
Praise Rastafari, no praise no idol
Chant MORE LIFE, cause wi no suicidal
Man a Afrikan, that's why wi live so royal
Stay loyal"
BOOM! Speedy, Winston McAnuff, the lovely Shalli, Reggae star Konshens and even Vicky Edimo, Tiwony's Father, as well as others, would all shine in this "Cité Soleil". Also casting very large shadows were tunes such as 'L'Union Fait La Force', 'Mon Continent', 'Neva Give Up', with Konshens, 'African Whine' with Da Brains, the title track, a couple of pieces which have grown on me massively in recent times 'Africa Is Calling' & 'Guerrier' and even more here! While I did say that you could make a nice argument that "Viv La Vi" was his best release to date, I wouldn't do that. In my opinion, Tiwony never sounded better than he did on "Cité Soleil", though something tells me that, with his range, something even stronger is one its way, so stay tuned.
I wasn't even going to 'write' today (I WRITE everyday) (currently working on a review for the Redeemer Riddim and a piece about Sara Lugo), but I noticed that, while working on something else and for the past few days, I kept going back to something else and that's always a good sign for me because whatever it is that's distracting my attentions at the time is usually something pretty amazing and this was the case here.
'Pagan's Eyes' w/Ras Zacharri
When we talk about Reggae music and Roots Reggae, in particular, I think too many times people, especially casual fans, but sometimes even more familiar heads, sometimes even me, get into this 'mode' where we expect certain things to be in place and certain aspects of the vibes to kind of meet these strings of unspoken standards - We expect it to sound a certain way! And at least for the most part, it does, but there definitely are exceptions. One of those exceptions, in this case, is called TIWONY.
'Selassie I'
You know how I write! I write about one thing and connect it to 500 others, that's just my style, I ramble and eventually (usually) find my way back on subject (hopefully) (kind of), but I was just thinking that I can't really think of anyone to compare Tiwony to anymore because there's just a certain quality to his music and it's almost one of a kind. The man makes Roots Reggae sound SPECTACULAR. I don't mean "spectacular" as in "good", I mean the sound is this very LARGE type of vibes and I think it's one which is very unique to him. And I know what you're thinking - 'Achis, there's someone named Spectacular' (I hope that wasn't what you were really thinking) (what is wrong with you???) (biggup Spectacular) - But in this aspect I'm beginning to think that he actually does stand alone consistently. I started to point to someone like Junior Kelly and even Ras Attitude, but it's very different in their cases, because what they tend to push is this serene quality and that's not the case with Tiwony. His music is a Roots Reggae intense Rollercoaster and it's that way almost ALL of the time when he's at his best (even on a slower tune - like this).
'Priyé Jah'
And it almost seems like it's by design. It seems like he developed it and these days, three albums deep into a SPECTACULAR career, he exists as arguably, THE most exciting Roots Reggae artist around today. So biggup Tiwony and definitely check out some of his wonderful music if you haven't yet and even more of it, if you have.
Damn I love surprises. Late last year I compiled a list by the name of "Most Wanted", which was a group of artists who I felt it would be really nice to hear from in the form of album releases in 2011, if it were all up to me. That list wasn’t merely a group of my favourite artists - It was a group of favourites of varying levels who I though that, through rumours in some cases or through a ‘sufficient’ passage of time in others ("sufficient" in my opinion, of course), were simply DUE to have albums this year - And I would’ve definitely appreciated it. Well, with the first third of the year now a thing of the past, my ‘wish list’ has been pretty well confirmed as one artist on the list, Ziggi Recado [#7], has delivered an album (the very impressive "Ziggi Recado") another name, Sara Lugo [#3] is set to release her debut set later this week, meanwhile, Saïk [#8], is apparently loaded and ready to go later this year with an album of his own in October. When you take all of that and combine it with the other nice things we’ve received this year, I can honestly say that, looking back and looking slightly ahead, 2011 has been an EXCELLENT year for Reggae album releases. As far as people who were fairly well known and didn’t make the list but have ‘chosen’ to make nice appearances this year, I’m definitely so pleased that we heard from someone like Danny I, whose "To His Majesty" set has still well carved out a place on my players. There was also the Uprising Roots band, with "Skyfiya", for which a mighty argument could be made as being THE best album of the year thus far and just yesterday Lion D brought forth his latest project as well. NOW, with all of that being said, I have to say that the single greatest bit of joy [mixed in with a tiny bit of shock] that I’ve received from noticing that a project was forthcoming was nearly two months ago when I saw that we were currently awaiting the third solo release from the DOMINANT Tiwony. Perhaps I shouldn’t have been as surprised as I was because, despite the fact that he didn’t have an official album release last year, 2010 was definitely a big one for the chanter from out of Guadeloupe. He released more than one big single (including one which I’m going to tell you about shortly) and just experienced a general rise in profile. This was all following his OUTSTANDING album from 2009, "Viv La Vi", after which, I didn’t think we’d be hearing from him, in that form for at least three more years - Sometimes I love being wrong.
Why, exactly, was it such a festive moment for me to see that Tiwony had new material coming? As I’ve (hopefully) said in the past, Tiwony is simply one of the most talented artists that we have in Reggae music today. While he was missing on my previously mentioned list, he definitely secured a spot on a list of My Favourites in 2009 and, nearly two years own, he may even rank higher on such a list these days. Tiwony’s music is just SERIOUS! He always seems to bring something heavy and very well planned and thought out, so with the mere experience of vibing his music - It is surely something which takes a bit of commitment on the part of the listener. Also, I should well mention that Tiwony always seems to rhyme with . . . The proverbial ‘chip on his shoulder’. It’s not that he’s frantic or really angry, but there seems to be this kind of outward reaching confidence which seems to say that, ‘I have a point to make and you’re going to listen to it’, but at the same time he manages to remain humble. All of that results in an artist who, at his best, can be absolutely devastating and had you told me, at the beginning of the year, that he was bring us an album this year, very rare in even rarer company is the name for whom I would have been MORE excited to hear that about than Tiwony.
"Fly" - 2007
Enter the Sun City. Said album has now arrived in the form of "Cité Soleil" and, given his raised stature in the music that I alluded to previously, I’m hoping that THIS is the album to take Tiwony to an even greater audience and introduce them to one of the most powerful voices that our music has ever had. If it does attract that ‘next level’ type of attention, when those new ears come, what they’ll hear is a version of the chanter who seems to be more at ease and at peace than on both previous releases, the aforementioned "Viv La Vi" as well his debut, "Fly". This album is more laid back and less ‘agitated’, ostensibly than the previous two and while I found that a little disappointing on my first listen through (I, of course, came looking for the FIRE from Tiwony, but the fire was there, it was just in a bit more subtle type of a blaze), after vibing this album maybe three or four times, it kind of begins unravel, in terms of the uniqueness of it, right in front of your ears. So, clearly this is one which is going to be more appreciated by the more conditioned and initiated listeners - Those coming for the musical marathon and not so much of the musical sprint. And actually, for those types (of whom I am) (at least in my mind), if you are someone coming back to Tiwony’s music, what you’ll find is that "Cité Soleil" is not an album which is that far of a musical leap from the previous two releases, and in several ways, it’s a step forward over them both, which is . . . Ridiculous when you consider not only how ruggedly proficient he’s been, but also the fact that it was only 2009 when we last heard from him. Could he possibly have improved noticeably, in any way, in less than twenty-four months? It’s unlikely. What is more probable, however, is that this album just places Tiwony in a situation to show things which he hasn’t to this extent previously. Such as??? Let’s take a look.
"Viv La Vi" - 2009
Before we even got into the music, something stood out about this album initially. If you recall, the "Viv La Vi" album was billed as being from “Tiwony & Bredrens” and, subsequently and unsurprisingly, it had NINE combinations amongst its twenty tracks. While a strictly “Tiwony” release, this album also has NINE combinations and with two less tracks, in full, exactly half of it is combination tunes and judging from an interview I recently read of the artist, it isn’t a practice which he seems prepared to drop any time soon. With results like the previous album and his BIG new album, "Cité Soleil" from Blackwarell, that shouldn’t be a problem with most listeners and here, Tiwony links with some BIG and VERY INTERESTING names. In terms of all things current, the likely biggest piece (on paper) here is 'Love Gives You Wings', which happens to feature both Reggae stars Gyptian and Anthony B on the same track (!). Despite the very typical title, the tune quickly ascends into an absolutely lovely vibes and while I haven’t been too much of a fan of his as of late, following the release of his recent album, ”Rasta Love” (speaking of very typical titles), I do have to give credit where it’s due because Anthony B steals the show on the track and all three do well. Making an even greater impact is the legendary Winston McAnuff who joins in on the sublimely hard-hitting 'Tout N’est Pas Rose'. McAnuff’s voice sounds PERFECT on this track which is, essentially, a social commentary, but one of a grand and somewhat complex order. This is definitely one of my favourite tunes on the album and I’d suspect that, given the opportunity, it’ll be a future hit as well. And speaking of potential future hits, the very last track on the album (which is apparently hidden after the last track and is, thus, untitled) features a BIG row of artists on the same track. The tune, which is untitled, is probably called 'Stronger' and it features Turbulence, Kananga and Straïka D! Apparently Tiwony has been doing quite a bit of touring with Turbulence and I knew that going in so this link wasn’t so much of a shock, but the quartet comes strike gold with this MIGHTY tune. It almost goes in the direction of Drum & Bass at times which seems to fit all four artists completely, as they all serve up impressive bits on the inspirational tune which is not to be missed (Kananga is fire!).
Hopefully you’ll remember the name Speedy who is a label mate of Tiwony’s and featured on a pair of tracks on the "Viv La Vi" album. Unsurprisingly the singer has returned for ”Cité Soleil” on a cool and ’moody’ tune, 'Pas Même Un Adieu'. This one took a minute to grow on me and you’ll hear why as soon as you hear it, so spend a bit more time on it before passing your final judgment. Popular Zouk singer Medhy Custos (who has simply one of the coolest names in the world) checks in on 'Street Life' and, again, we have a tune with a ‘standard’ title which turns out to be pretty damn strong (especially later as Tiwony gets LOOSE and Custos does the same with his voice). 'Just Wanna Fly' is another of my favourite tunes on the album and it just so happens to feature an artist in Shalli who I don’t want to talk much of, but if you come back tomorrow, I’ll introduce you to her properly. Still, the tune is just GORGEOUS and it’s not the first time the two have linked. Apparently they’ve created a very nice bit of chemistry which is crystal clear ALL OVER this almost Zouk-like effort.
'African Whine' w/Da Brains
Before "Cité Soleil" hit shelves, it had already produced two winners and both of them are also combination tunes (told you there were a lot of them). The first to appear on the album is chaotically infectious 'Africa Whine' which features Tiwony alongside Senegalese Hip-Hop group, Da Brains. MAD! The intensity on this tune is almost Soca-ish, as if they were distinctly trying to create some dance, but what they managed to do, instead was to produce this tune which definitely has a bit of veiled poignancy to it as we’re really supposed to be thinking of something to unify all of Afrika and all of Afrika with the rest of the world as well (more on that in later). The ever increasingly popular Konshens guests on the song, which was the first that I heard which ended up being present on this album, 'Neva Give Up'. This is another song which has grown considerably on my tastes (although over a longer period of time here) and it’s now to the point where I think that it may be one of the better tunes from the respective catalogs of BOTH artists. It’s just so well done and it proved to be a nice sized hit for both as it went through. Still, one can be well assured that the most meaningful of all the links on the album for Tiwony - the most ‘special’, if you will - is 'So Special' which features veteran musician Vicky Edimo. When I first actually sat down and read Tiwony’s bio, it made a mention that he was the son of a musician from out of Cameroun - Vicky Edimo. And to my knowledge, it’s the very first time the two have linked professionally like such. If you were waiting for it, it was worth the wait as Father & Son come together and, fittingly, make a mighty song aimed at uplifting the family unit.
'Neva Give Up' w/Konshens
Yes! Those are the combinations on "Cité Soleil" (I told you there were a lot of them) (I still hope someone can put together a Tiwony/Bunji Garlin tune, however). There’re some really big tunes in there (most of them are “big”, actually), but a great deal of the actual class of the album, including its TOP moment, comes with Tiwony going alone. That distinction, in my opinion, doesn’t go to the album’s opener, 'Mon Continent' but this sprawlingly beautiful offering certainly isn’t far from it. The tune is another which speaks on unity in the world, and specifically Afrikan unity and, as we’ll see in just a second, it is this type of ideology which gives this album its biggest star of a tune (oh and the riddim on ‘Mon Continent‘ is sparkling!). Certainly we should mention 'Africa Is Calling' here which is a tune which brings a bit more of the FORCE from the chanter on a much more uptempo type of vibes. This is kind of snarled-face rugged Dancehall and on that vibes, it’s the second best song of its kind after - 'Guerrier'. HEAVY! Although the tune falls kind of in the realm of Hip-Hop which isn’t my favourite thing, you cannot look over a truly DOMINANT lyrical and vocal display by Tiwony as the WARRIOR on the vibes (biggup Little Guerrier). Tiwony also turns the intensity up on 'Ils Veulent Faya' to, again, an almost Soca-like degree. This is just another very fun tune like 'Africa Whine' and you could very well make the argument that it is the stronger of the two even (I think I still may favour 'Africa Whine' by the slightest of margins) (and you listen to this song and tell me Bunji Garlin joining in wouldn’t be MADNESS!). It also stands as a very fun demonstration of Tiwony’s extraordinary skillset.
'L'Union Fait La Force'
As for the remaining six songs on the album - They’re all pretty SPECIAL songs. The best of them is also the album’s best, the MASSIVE 'L'Union Fait La Force'. TEARS! Another unity anthem, this one takes it to another division of quality as it goes about setting itself apart from the rest of the album in that respect. Unbeknownst to me the song is also (apparently) the latest single from "Cité Soleil" and it’s very easy to see why. Something else - With about a minute remaining in the tune it switches from the STERLING Roots Reggae gem that it is into a full on Nyahbinghi chant. This one is no average song, it is a musical experience and one of the greatest from an artist who has already supplied us with so many. MAMMOTH! Not far from that (although clearly) is 'Ca Court Après' which is a HUGE praising track for the album. This one catches a powerful meditation type of vibes and, as it you get near the middle of the track, already TRYING really hard to follow along, you literally get LOST in the lyrics as Tiwony kind of melds his voice into the riddim. And then there’s the piece of madness which is 'Y Cho'. When the song begins it almost sounds as if it’s going to hit some version of the [Throwback] Giggy Riddim, but it quickly stops and goes in a wide variety of directions. It’s Soca, it’s traditional Kreyol music, it’s Reggae, it’s Dancehall, it’s a musical kaleidoscope of a song which pinnacles when the drums REALLY kick in.
Vicky Edimo - Tiwony's Father
And finally, I mention three tunes which have a bit in common, 'Rayon De Soleil', the title track and 'Pitit Toussaint' Tiwony has reportedly spent a great deal of his time doing and attempting to do charitable work for Haiti, following the tragedy there last year. The Cité Soleil is actually a very poor city in Haiti and obviously the final song is a tribute to the hard lucked island and its great hero Toussaint L’Ouverture, while the first of these three is simply a GORGEOUS song and one of the album’s best on an album full of “bests”.
Overall, as does tend to happen when I write such expansive pieces on particular albums, I do enjoy this one just a bit more than I did when I began to write about it. It’s even more colourful and vibrant than I had eventually planned on saying. I still wouldn’t necessarily go as far as to say that it’s as BRIGHT as the previous two albums (and I mean that in terms of the sound being more energetic and electric), but as I said, this is a project whose power comes more in the lyrics and in the subtleties of it. The version of Tiwony heard on "Cité Soleil" seems to be a more focused version and while I previously referred to him as seeming to have a ’chip on his shoulder’, this is a focused man on a mission! He has a great deal to say and that comes through in droves on the album. Is it his best work to date??? I don’t know if I can go that far just yet, but as 2011 continues along, I’m just SO happy the man gave me the opportunity to even ponder the question. Very, very well done.
Quite frankly, still caught up within the absolute joy which is the Contagious album from Tarrus Riley and scrutinizing it to its core at this point, I find myself going through several thoughts when spinning the piece. The first (DUH) is just how good the quality is. Not to overdo it by any means but just in terms of its sonic appeal, Contagious definitely ranks as one of the best albums I’ve heard in quite awhile altogether, you can make complaints of various natures on the actual tunes themselves but you’d still have to admit that the pure SOUND of the tune in question is truly a beautiful thing. This thought almost inevitably leads me to questioning ‘why’ and the first stop on that road is that Riley, himself as an artist, has obviously been detailed and refined and polished to such a degree that, even when he does a song at this point which may not be to someone’s liking. Having grown up under the guidance of Jimmy Riley (himself DEFINITELY a very refined artist in his own right), as his son and, perhaps even more importantly, (from a musical standpoint) having grown up as an artist under the tutelage of the downright legendary musical genius that is Dean Fraser (now could you imagine had Tarrus come around about a decade earlier or so when Fraser was spending his time developing the likes of Sizzla, Luciano and Mikey General at Xterminator?!), the younger Riley would have had every opportunity to become the artist he is today with that downright brilliant sound. Having most likely forgotten more about actual music than many of his far more veteran peers. Perhaps even more remarkable is the case of the even younger Etana who, although not to the degree of Riley, also shows such a ridiculously high level of refinement. She, too, having learned under Dean Fraser and a whole heap of others including the baddest man on the planet Kemar ‘Flava’ McGregor and primarily Devon Wheatley, head of the formerly STACKED 5th Element imprint (who gave similar seasoning to both Richie Spice and Chuck Fenda). I’d also point to WICKED younger artists such as Assassin, Baby Cham in particular who, although critics will (and do) ‘hail’ him as a robot, under the controls of the greatest Dancehall producer of all time Dave Kelly, has shown himself to quietly be one of the most skilled younger wordsmiths in the Dancehall as well as showing a great stage presence and a general strong musical approach and knowledge. You could look at slightly older artists such as Tanya Stephens, Junior Kelly, SANCHEZ and General Degree who, in my opinion, stand as very good examples of artists who have literally been molded (either by someone in particular or through their natural maturation as an artist) and show that in their vibes through an EXTREMELY refined and polished style (Ras Attitude would be another).
But there’s more than one type of polish that can be applied to an artist, thankfully. On one hand you’ll have that type of artist like Sanchez, who seemingly spent (and probably still spends) so much time in singing classes throughout his life (“You have to PROJECT”), while on the other is someone like Sizzla who. . . didn’t do that. Sizzla would be at the forefront of artists like Capleton, Anthony B, ESPECIALLY Jah Mason and, of course, Lutan Fyah (and to add a singer to that bunch to get the actual contrast, think of someone like Jah Cure, who, despite his ridiculous vocals, still has that ‘rough around the edges’ feel to his music). This is what we’re going to call ‘Ghetto Shine’. Ghetto Shine is the more RAW type of shine where you’ll hear someone like Sizzla and it may not (it isn’t) be the perfect pitch exactly but it is absolutely PERFECT for the type of music that they make. Sizzla has copious amounts of Ghetto Shine, so does Jah Mason and Capleton as well. However, one of the most plentiful sources of ghetto shine these days is the downright PAINFULLY glaring scene of French Reggae where literally EVERY big name artist (especially those from out of the French Caribbean) are literally soaking in Ghetto Shine. . . Juices. Artists all around, Yaniss Odua, Admiral T, Krys, Lady Sweety, Saïk, Saël, Blenda, (ESPECIALLY) Paille, Daddy Mory, Straika D, (ESPECIALLY) SamX and others, ALL OF THEM are big owners of Ghetto Shine stock. That being said, however, BY FAR, the artist who seems to have cornered the Ghetto Shine market is the supremely talented Tiwony who is probably the most skilled French artist I have come across in the few years from I’ve been listening to French/Creole Reggae. Tiwony had me literally HOOKED off the strength of his debut solo album, 2007’s outstanding (but short) Fly. That album (did I mention that it was short?) showed an artist who, although I, and probably most of the Reggae listening world, had yet to hear of the name Tiwony to any great degree, was potentially EVERY BIT as talented as his far more well known Jamaican peers. Tiwony well fits into that class of Roots/Dancehall chanters of the aforementioned stars and, as it would happen, he is actually seemingly just as talented battering about on a hardcore Dancehall riddim as he is floating across a DIVINE one-drop. Perhaps owing, at least in part, his degree of proficiency (albeit on almost COMPLETELY different avenues), is Tiwony in much the same direction of Tarrus Riley in that his father, Vicky Edimo, is also a famous musician who is, in all honesty, probably more well known than Tiwony. Well, now more ears are certainly going to be open as Tiwony releases his second ‘solo’ piece, Viv La Vi. Seems as if Tiwony caught the same idea that Al.Ta.Fa.An and Mark Wonder caught with their release, as he employs quite a few of his buddies on the album and thus dons it by “Tiwony & Bredrens”. Whatever the case and the source of his inspiration for such a project, Viv La Vi is MADNESS! It comes across almost as if it were trying to remind you how wicked the artist was, lest you have forgotten since Fly. I didn’t forget Tiwony. Not even a little.
Unlike Mark Wonder’s attempt at a similar thing recently, the ‘friends’ here don’t play as much of a role in my opinion. Despite the fact that some of them are VERY well known and skilled (one in particular) and do good jobs (including the biggest tune on the album) the album definitely has more of a running vibes, thanks to, of course, Tiwony himself. Getting things started on Tiwony’s Viv La Vi from Backwarell (the sound system turned label where, I THINK, he got his start actually) is the hard hitting title track which has been getting big spins to my knowledge, coupled with a BITING video also. The tune is certainly a big one but not even really near the greatest exhibition of Tiwony’s skill (although lyrically, its right up there to my opinion) although a very poignant tune to get things going. Well done. Things get ratcheted WAY up in short order as the next tune up features odd voiced (auto-tune sounding) but wicked singer Prof A from out of Guyane. This tune is GORGEOUS and in my opinion ranks very close to the MAMMOTH shot that was Priyé Jah, from the Fly album. Jah Is My Guide comes across the spacious one-drop and Prof A adds just the right amount of spice to Tiwony’s in the name of His Majesty and sets it, in my opinion, up as the class of Viv La Vi. HUGE tune and one of Tiwony’s (and DAMN SURE Prof. A’s) best altogether. Finishing up the opening of Viv La Vi is a tune which is so damn interesting to me and in so many damn ways, Ka Nou Ka Atan Anko (I swear about half of Creole is nothing but mono-syllabic words). The first way is, of course, the wicked neo-style flow Tiwony lays the piece. . . And of course that ‘piece’ is none other than the Rock Steady Riddim from the previously mentioned ‘Flava’ McGregor. Wouldn’t it have been great if Ka Nou was included in Riddim Driven release? Regardless, its still a very large tune and definitely caught me by surprise putting a nice bow on the equally nice gift that was Viv La Vi’s opening.
Some of the names costarring on Viv La Vi alongside Tiwony are VERY strong. By far the one which grabs the attentions most, at least on paper, is that of Lyricson who features on the tune Don’t Play. This tune (like a few here) was very familiar to me and the two DEFINITELY make a very nice pair here as they have in the past. Boubou’s name is a next which was familiar to me and only because I had already heard the tune he features on, Menm Met’ La. I remember the tune from awhile back and it took awhile to grow on me but Boubou is TOP NOTCH and literally forces Tiwony’s hand to go at the riddim on a strong and aggressive type of style and they both do MAJOR damage on Menm Met’ La (and keep an eye out for Boubou also). Singer Speedy is the only artist getting the ‘callback’ from Tiwony on Viv La Vi as he features on BOTH Police and later Mon Offishal. Police, which was the class of Speedy’s own recent album, Gangsta Cry (to my opinion), is the better of the two but definitely don’t skip on Mon Offishal which takes a minute to grow on you (because it sounds odd as hell). And then there’s the very well regarded Zouk songstress Jane Fostin who guests on the kind of Zouk-ish (DUH) and SWEET Nostalji A Lanmou [~Love Sick]. The tune kind of rolls in and out of styles almost appearing to mirror whose style is going at the time and in my opinion its brilliance and one of Viv La Vi‘s best. I’d love to hear tunes like this in the future also (maybe with Kénédy??? Just a suggestion). Supa John (whoever he is) does very nice on Ekilib An Mwen also. The two biggest combinations here (outside of Jah Is My Guide), however, is the WELL vibed Zacharri who joins in on previous single the MASSIVE Pagans Eyes (Zacharri also apparently has an album of his own out next month, look out for that) as they make a great team; then there’s the big unification vibes that is Independence which features a few different artists (the only one I’m familiar with is Lusdy, who I believe is a member of Blackwarell as the label released his debut album last year, Manman Mési). The tune is BEAUTIFUL and both actually prove to be amongst the very best on Viv La Vi. As I said, the ‘friends’ portion on this album didn’t carry as much weight here as it did on Mark Wonder’s and that’s probably because Viv La Vi features twelve (by my count) solo tracks featuring Tiwony all on his WICKED own. Armaguédeon Time is EPIC! The tune ultimately has to pick up the scraps that used to be Special Delivery’s Visions riddim after Queen Omega and Gentleman obliterated it with their MASSIVE combination Revolution and it does a very find job of that as Tiwony says the time is now! Indeed. And, should you forget that Tiwony keeps his hat in the Dancehall arena there are quite a few such tunes in the middle of the album which will make you sorry for thinking him just a Roots head. Pep La Ni Maw is a HUGE and POUNDING tune, Full Up Stamina is as well (that one being addictive after a few spins) and the same can be said for Mouille Le Maillot (after it picks up and gets REALLY going, I’d have to call it one of the best here) but the CLASS of that section is the IMMEDIATE MADNESS which is Pa Etenn Difé La (Fire Can’t Cool). The tune features Tiwony flowing crazy lyrics á la Bunji Garlin (who I think he sounds like) and pushing a vibes even the Trini fire keeper would be proud of. Speaking of Garlin, his favourite two tunes on Viv La Vi would most likely be either Shashamane Dance or Chéché Rézon Aw, both of which have crazy Soca-ish type of vibes (Chéché Rézon Aw actually sounds like some big top circus type of tune and its probably the stronger of the two). That all sets the stage for the closer, Pwoblem An Nou which you just KNEW would be some big Nyah drum backed tune and its exactly that. Of course Tiwony goes closer to the conscience with the lyrics in the name of His Imperial Majesty which is sweet and, again, gives a display that the man can and does do anything on Viv La Vi. ANYTHING!
Overall, YES! Buy this album. Again, I really want to emphasize the fact that this album, although clearly pushed as “Tiwony & Bredrens”, Viv La Vi is Tiwony’s album and Tiwony is a serious artist and talent. I can remember pulling through the Fly album (brevity and all) and just really being amazed that someone like this hadn’t been even more of a big deal. Of course, part of that has to deal with the fact that Tiwony doesn’t deliver in English (or any derivative thereof) but I’m SORRY (no I’m not) if you like Reggae that slowly is becoming no excuse whatsoever. When I had NO command of the language, I could tell that someone like Admiral T and Saël had bona fide talent. And, subsequently, that basically forced me to start learning the language, well you, reading this now, its time. Tiwony is one of the STRONGEST Reggae artists in the world, regardless of language/dialect and Viv La Vi is an EXPLOSIVE showcase of his impeccable skills. Ghetto Shine and all.
