| When
she trod her first steps on the musical
field, she was only seven years old. Now in
2003 she is labelled as "one of today's
top female modern Roots Reggae
vocalists" and can look to a great
response to the release of her 4th album. A
response, which she describes to DUBROOM.com
as "overwhelming", while she
prepares herself for a visit to the other
side of the planet for some concerts to
promote Black Sheep. There's obviously a
hunger for some Righteous Roots Rock Reggae
and Zema (pronounced Zay-Ma) is definitely
among the providers! The album was recorded
in Kingston, Jamaica and contains the
musical works of an impressive list artists.
If you ever saw the superb Reggae movie
"Rockers", you'll remember the
drummer that was playing the head role.
Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace drummed
the rhythms on Black Sheep as well. Yabby
You helped out technically. And what to say
about Dean Frazer, the legendary saxophone
player that featured on many classic Reggae
Albums? Not to mention Skully on percussion,
or Zacky (Twinkle Brothers) on keyboards.
With Zema's Black Sheep you are listening to
a group of Reggae Music Originators, without
a doubt.
The music sounds fresh and tight and the
(way too few!) Dubs contain some spaced out
echo's. This is Roots Reggae, played and
recorded with modern equipment. But
definitely without compromise! And also
without compromise are the lyrics. The words
reveal the path Zema is walking on. A
conscious path of walking in life with Jah,
the Most High. This path can be lonely and
persecution is almost galore, but it's the
richest way too because (s)he that is able
to praise Him in Truth and Spirit, Roots and
Reggae, is free. The Black Sheep is free!
In these current times, we need more
heartical and uplifting music. This album
shows that it can be done. And when you know
Zema's 2nd and 3rd albums, you want to have
this one as well. The music has moved
towards a deeper roots and the production
makes sure you'll hear something new
everytime you hear it. The only reason why
the album hasn't a full three stars is
because there are only three Dubs on the
album.
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