CULTURE TEN - 1st February 2004 SAMA ROOTS CHART
1. Doniki - Heard It On D News (Kariang - JA 7")  

Supplied by Sama Roots Sound System from Sheffield 20/12/2003. Contact waq@yellowarch.com
Another example of the fruitful relationship between Kariang and Israeli outfit Shabak. The rhythm, called Ju Ju, represents an irresistable combination of reggae and hip hop. Doniki, pictured here with his usual singing partner Steady Ranks, is exactly the kind of roots artist we want to hear riding progressive rhythms like this.
2. Prezident Brown- Tree Of Life- (KT Records - JA7")
"There is a spiritual light man fe reach" chants Prezident Brown over this one drop rhythm with some nice touches of acoustic guitar. Given his melodic delivery and insightful lyrics he's been a desperately underrated artist. Here he's talking about how spirituality can help us to reach heights that the material will never achieve, and how "information is different from knowledge". It's time we listened.  

1. Zulu Man - Alton Ellis

2. Uprising - Vitamin M Vs Splitz Horns

3. Take A Stand - Abijah

4. Moby Dick Instrumental - Taxi Gang

5. Valley Of Division - Admiral Tibet

 
3. Tenna Star - Blessed Love (Mellow Vibes- UK 7")    
"As I wake up in the morning to the golden sunshine I'n'I man chant blessed love" sings Tenna Star in this rastafari rallying cry. He's not an artist who's attracted much appreciation before, but his mournful style complements the Bobo Hill riddim perfectly.    
4. Murry Man - Jah Is Calling(Mellow Vibes - UK7")    
Murry Man has become an important figure on the roots scene in the UK and Europe. That's exactly where this production is aimed, but it's not a predictable steppers effort. With string effects that sound almost bollywood-like it's a moody rhythm with a minimal version.    
5. Chronicle - Rasta Unite (Dubwise Productions - 12 ")    
An extended 12" 'disco' mix on Chris Jay's Dubwise Productions, mixed by Russ Disciple. If that isn't recommendation enough, consider that Tenor saw soundalike Chronicle, usually based in the US, is no mean singer.    
6. Vybz Cartel- Visa (40/40 JA7")    
"Weed makes me fly without visa, don't give me coke or crack or rum, cigarette smoke is just no good, I'm just a ganja man". There are some new voices in dancehall. Vybz Cartel is a leading example and more than capable of offering a fresh twist to the herb song. Lenky built the 'Dreamweaver' rhythm and it's a suitably weird production from the 'Diwali' man.    
7. Dubkasm -Hornsman Trod/Strictly Ital (Sufferah's Choice - UK 12")    
Two classic instrumentals, both accompanied by tough dub workouts, on a 12' with nice artwork on the label. It's the first from Sufferah's Choice Recordings which means it's linked to the DJ Stryda radio show of the same name.Let's hope there's plenty more to follow.    
8. Maxi Priest - Cry For The Children (Harmony House JA 7")    
We've waited years for Maxi Priest to make this record.Truly wonderful vocals, conscious lyrics and a Beres Hammond production. It really is as good as it sounds, a timeless roots record.    
9. Turbulence - Firm (Energy - JA7")    
"You've got to work harder" Turbulence tells those who can't live up to a true rastafarian lifestyle. He's talking about the discipline required to resist temptation and live spiritually. This includes avoiding alcohol and meat "you can't be a rasta and nyam curry goat". A blazing performance from a prolific young artist who's now one of Jamaica's top roots deejays.    
10. Abijah - Take A Stand (Energy - JA7")    
High Praise is an uptempo live rhythm from the Firehouse Crew. Abijah is a talented new vocalist from the Xterminator camp who tells us to "lift your banner high, stand up on Jah side, a conscious soldier." With tunes like this Jamaica's 'rasta rennaisance' can't be over yet.