Freedom Sitee Reggae
Vibes:
Reggae music has
always been dominated by male artists and only very few
women have managed to take their place in the Reggae
arena and stay there for a very long time. Thus it's
always good to witness the emergence of new female
artists as in case of Sistah Joyce from the Virgin
Islands. The latter first drew attention of a select
group of reggae connoisseurs with her 2004 released (but
now out of print) album "H.Y.P.O.C.R.I.S.Y.", which
gained critical acclaim. That debut set fully showed
that this female voice has the talent to take her place
in the forefront of roots reggae music, which is
reaffirmed by its follow-up entitled "Freedom Sitee". thing; just a different style. -
More
H.Y.P.O.C.R.I.C.Y.
Reggae Reviews:
Continuing the V.I. Invasion of modern roots reggae emanating from the
Virgin Islands is this debut from Sistah Joyce, a refreshing female voice who
joins fellow Virgin Islander Dezarie at the forefront of conscious female
performers. Compared to Dezarie, Sistah
Joyce (who has an affinity for acronyms) is a bit less edgy musically and vocally,
which isnt necessarily a bad thing; just a different style. She has a pensive, melancholy sound; if Dezarie
is Lauryn Hill, then Sistah Joyce is more along the lines of Alicia
Keys. H.Y.P.O.C.R.I.C.Y. has a mature roots reggae sound and Sistah Joyce
a maternal feel (see her incorporation of children on the fun ska track
R.e.g.g.a.e) reminiscent of reggae greats Rita Marley and Marcia Griffiths. - More
Creation Steppin':
Although female roots singers have always been under-represented, the Cruzan roots
scene seems to be slowly bucking that tradition. Dezarie is most widely-known, but Sistah
Joyce proves on her debut album that she's worthy as well. The H.Y.P.O.C.R.I.C.Y. EP released
in February gave us tantalizing hints at her abilities, and the full album delivers. This
release is built around her liquid voice, but the riddims and songwriting are quite solid.
"Give Jah The Praises" and "Haile Africa" (strangely found on the EP only)
are upbeat songs with some serious crossover appeal, whereas "Cleansing Fya" is some
serious straight-up roots. - More
I Grade:
The Caribbean has produced a female reggae singer in the likes of
Rita Marley, Marcia Griffith, Judy Mowatt, right now one of the more talented female
vocalist who is on her way to a reggae musical journey. - More |