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| Jah Lion: Children of the Nile (Mt. Nebo, 2003) Iba ("EYE"-ba) is an up-and-coming singer currently riding the wave of the "Cruzan invasion" out of St. Croix, sparked by Midnite's success in the late '90s. His "Chant" and "Tell Me Why" were featured on the wonderful Virgin Islands showcase Talkin' Roots Volume 1, and the former tune can be found on his debut, Jah Lion. Iba has a rich baritone along the lines of Peter Tosh or Ossie Dellimore, although some might find his overly affected, quivering vocals a bit too much like a manly Tiny Tim. A Bambu Station production, Jah Lion features that group's rich, traditional roots sound, avoiding the experimentation of fellow countrymen Midnite. Those who remember "Chant" should know that, solid as it is, it's not the best that Iba has to offer. The title track to Jah Lion showcases his burly stature in a powerful call for unity, while the brooding tone of "No Apology" is fed by his wailing female backing vocals. "O' Jah" is a heartfelt ballad of faith, while "My Empress" is a no-less-impassioned dedication of romantic love that scores with the type of sensitivity that helped distinguish Bambu Station's debut. Unfortunately, that sensitivity takes a break on "What's It Gonna Take?", an urgent, plucky number that's sullied by anti-gay lyrics that seem to run contrary to his advice elsewhere in the song:
All in all, Jah Lion is worth a listen for roots fans, but compared to the likes of Midnite, Dezarie, Bambu Station, Army, Abja, and NiyoRah, it falls into the second tier of Cruzan releases. |
| Track Listing 1. Rough Times 2. Jah Lion (Children of the Nile) 3. No Apology 4. Dying Breed featuring Sagenyah 5. What's It Gonna Take? 6. O' Jah 7. Inity 8. Work to Do 9. My Empress 10. Didn't I Tell You? 11. African Queen 12. It's Too Late Dub featuring Tuff Lion 13. Chant |
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