AbbaKush - Dreaming Of Afrika
JOVECDEP1


FULL WATTS: "The title song is a lushly melodic and uplifting composition inspired by the group's trip to Ethiopia. It features a fine guest performance by the velvet-voiced Trevor Hartley. It's You, a prayer to Jah, has a jovial pan-Caribbean feel to it. But the real winner here is the hot-stepping Batta Dem, on which lead vocalist Angela Wynter coolly describes, over a menacing rhythm, how one day, Jah will come to beat down the wicked. Batta Dub, the murderous dub version, is also included... This is some spectacular roots music and hopefully a precursor to a full-length album by AbbaKush."

TOWER RECORDS' TOP: "Raising a fist for the under-represented (female) sector of reggae - a comeback record that hits the note it intends to."

ECHOES: "The return of... AbbaKush, and with a song that harks back to the days when roots and lovers rock tunes shared similar rhythms and arrangements... It's a fine comeback record, but then so is their re-cut of Batta Dem, a mighty rockers of Warrior Charge persuasion. Very impressive... "

REGGAE BEAT (Chuck Foster's Reggae Update): "Three songs with two dubs, all featuring tracks laid by Mafia and Fluxy, give a glimpse of this fascinating outfit. ... This selection reflects the energetic and engaging sound of this long-time roots quintet."



Essential AbbaKush

ORIGINS: Formed 1981 - the first predominantly female reggae band in the UK. The present line-up was completed in 1983 just prior to their first recording session.

ETYMOLOGY: Their first name was Abacus, which by the time they had begun performing had become AbbaKush, combining: Abbah (the ancient Hebrew word for Father) + Kush (Africa, the motherland).

EVOLUTION: In their early days, AbbaKush found mentors in UK reggae ambassadors Misty In Roots, playing support on Misty gigs and viewing their People Unite label as a "musical home from home".

First and foremost AbbaKush are a roots band committed to the Rastafarian ideals of love, peace and unity. Their music celebrates Africa as the birthplace of humanity and the source from which every genre of black music has emanated. For this reason, although Jamaican rhythms are AbbaKush’s chosen musical foundation, you will hear the occasional echo or accent of the other musics of the African diaspora, such as jazz, gospel, or soca.
While women have made an undeniable contribution to Jamaican music over the years, to say that there is room for a stronger female input would be an understatement. Reggae often deals with reality, and sometimes we need to hear about that from a female perspective.
At the same time, there is a place for conscious lyrics from musicians who just happen to be female. AbbaKush are not separatist in their approach - they are a group of women who always have played with male guest musicians. AbbaKush are determined to transcend isms and schisms - whether within styles of reggae or amongst groups of people - through the unifying power of good music. The fundamental strength of the band can be experienced in their live performances ... probably because, apart from family and Creator, playing together is their greatest love!
All Rights Reserved. © 1999, 2000 Jove Music
Webdesign by RV Productions NL