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Silver & Gold (Solid Discs, 1998) I hadn't heard of Nigerian Jerri Jheto before listening to his bouncy "Kanayo" on the R.A.W. 2000 compilation. Based on that extremely likeable number, however, I tracked down Silver & Gold, and thank goodness I did. This is as good a showcase of quality African reggae as I have heard (not that I'm an expert, by any means), ranking up there with the likes of Alpha Blondy's Apartheid Is Nazism, Isaac Haile Selassie's Unite, and the exceptional Reggae Africa compilation. Jhetto's relatively simplistic lyrics and "happy" sound may make him seem lightweight in comparison to statements like Apartheid Is Nazism, but that doesn't diminish his impact. Every song on Silver & Gold is good and many -- "Kanayo," the title track, "HiLife Reggae," "Fast Lane," "Ndere-Ndere," and "Fire on the Mountain" are great. If you know "Kanayo," then you know the style of this album: upbeat, celebratory, prototypical full-band roots. Although Jheto's gravelly voice doesn't provide the best singing vocals, it is nonetheless effective (a bit similar to Alpha Blondy), aided immensely by vibrant female backing singers (an indication of the pervasive influence of Bob Marley, who, of course, had the I-Threes). As bright and colorful as the album cover would imply, Jheto's music has genuine international appeal. Silver & Gold is not just a great African reggae album, or even just a great reggae album. It's a great album, period. |
| Track Listing 1. HiLife Reggae 2. One Minute 3. Silver & Gold 4. Let's Work Together 5. Ndere-Ndere 6. Fast Lane 7. Fire on the Mountain 8. Kanayo 9. Ism Schism 10. Fire on the Mountain [Club Mix] |
Let the People Decide (Kadara, 2000)
DY-NO-MITE!!! "J.J." does it again. Still largely unknown in the US, Jerri Jheto is still toiling away, releasing outstanding music that any reggae fan should relish. Let the People Decide continues in Silver & Gold's delightful vein, dropping only slightly in relation. The songs here are vivacious and invigorating, driven by well-crafted, catchy melodies and an organic mixing of instruments, led by dynamic horn arrangements. It has just enough of a pop edge at times to draw what should be a wide fan base. Most of this album is straightforward, bouncy roots, but there is a bit of an African edge to a few tracks, like "Time Will Come" and "Suffering." "Sunshine," possibly the best track on Let the People Decide, meanwhile has a sound of its own. Its laid-back, jazzy guitar lends a tropical, almost Hawaiian feel that is both unique and intoxicating. As with Silver & Gold, practically all of the tracks on this album are of high quality. Hopefully, Jerri Jheto will gain in popularity, but if he doesn't, let's hope that he will continue to put out such good music. And until he does become famous, he'll likely be one of the best reggae artists you've never heard.
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