Emperor Shabba Ranks Triumphs in the Studio with “War!”

Since his performance at the 2012 staging of Reggae Sumfest in beautiful Montego Bay, Jamaica, Shabba Ranks has been on fire in the performance arena, and in the recording arena.

Teaming up with one of Jamaica’s hottest younger generation producers, Calibud (Son of legendary producer Bobby ‘Digital B’ Dixon), Shabba recently returned to the studio to record the powerful song “War.”

Performed on the rebuilt riddim used to back Bob Marley’s song of the same name, Emperor Shabba Ranks denounces war of all types including psychological and physical, and appeals to the powers that be to keep the war away from his people.  Turning to his community, Shabba calls for us to unite in order that his people to be uplifted.  Using the song’s punch line to emphasize his point, Shabba simply asks “Ah who win the war; the police in the jeep or the soldiers in armored cars?”

Recorded live at the family’s recording studio on Ron’s Road in June in Kingston, Jamaica, Shabba expressed how happy he is with the outcome of the recording.  “I’m very pleased with the song,” said Shabba.  “I look forward to adding this song to my performances when I perform for fans.”  In addition to Shabba’s satisfaction with the song, several artists in the Reggae and Dancehall fraternity have been touched by the riddim which has led to the decision to make a full riddim including the vocals of Cali P, Tarrus Riley and General Degree.  “I’m very excited about the War riddim,” said Calibud.  “This is a riddim that will help to unite the people and tell the world how great we are.  This will be a great riddim.”

Bobby ‘Digital B’ Dixon, who has kept a watchful eye over his Son and the project, agrees that this riddim is “ready for the world” and is very proud of his Son including his musical accomplishments.

The single is available on iTunes here:  www.itunes.apple.com/album/war-single/id548298215?v0 

Walter Saw Restores Roots Reggae with his new album ‘Stronger!’

With the release of his album ‘Stronger,’ Walter Saw and his labels J’Island Records and Calibud Music breathe new life into the Roots Reggae genre!

Blessing his musical journey, Walter intro’s his CD with the chant “I will life up my eyes onto the hills / from whence commeth my help / my help commeth from Jah / who made the heavens and the earth / though man perform evil things against I / I did not falter for Jah was with me ….”  With the blessed introduction, Walter goes on to perform fifteen tracks with careful lyrics about faith, love and upliftment.

Produced by Saunjay ‘Triple Ace’ Kerr for J’Island Records and Sheldon ‘Calibud’ Stewart for Calibud Music, the two producers and artist demonstrate the strength and beauty of roots music.

Choosing the right riddims such as the Satta Massagana (used for the song “Stronger”), the Pass The Kutchie riddim (used for the song “Selassie I Rule”), and the Boxing riddim (used for the song “How Does it Feel”), Walter weaves a fabric that, by the end of the CD, becomes a coat listeners rely on to keep them warm on days it becomes cold, and keep them looking fashionable when worn causally.

“This CD really was a journey about things I’ve experienced and about things I’ve seen happen to other people.  Life is not easy right now, so I’m giving fans spiritual strength through the music,” said Walter.  Saunjay ‘Triple Ace’ Kerr also added “we’ve all experienced the topics Walter sings about in one way or another, so this CD tells people they are not alone.”

One such song that offers comfort in times of hardship is “Deliverance” in which the singer pleads with Jah for help as he’s been suffering too long, and needs deliverance from those struggles.  Fans treated to an advance listening of the disk immediately connected with the song, identifying that they too have had times when they asked the Father for an ease to the hardships they faced.

Also included on the album is Walter Saw’s hit song “Gang War” which brought the artist to international notoriety.  Produced Sackie in 1996, the song’s addition to the album helps fans appreciate how much Walter’s voice has remained consistent over the years.  Additional re-mastered songs include “Child’s Game.” 

Walter Saw’s album ‘Stronger’ is available on iTunes, and all digital music retailers.