Iba first caught my ear last year on when he appeared on Mt. Nebo Records' Talkin' Roots I compilation. His Ossie Dellimore-esque sound was full of heart and soul, much like many of the artists associated with Mt. Nebo.
Iba's debut solo disc, Jah Lion (Children of the Nile), continues the stage set by "Chant," the opening track on Talkin' Roots I. Jah Lion's opener is "Rough Times," an old school roots bubbler that allows Iba to flex his vocal skills and lyrical talents. Even better is the Marley-esque title track, one of the best songs on the disc. Other stand-outs include "No Apology," "Didn't I Tell You," and "African Queen," a simple, but touching song with Iba acompanied only by acoustic guitar. The disc closes with "Chant" and a dub version of "It's Too Late," a great track in its own right. The lush musical backdrops are provided by members of the Bambú Station crew (including vocalist Jalani Horton on keys). Thank goodness it's not just another studio band.
The real strength lies in Iba's controlled vocal tone. I maintain that he and St. Vincent-born Ossie Dellimore (and Bambú Station's Jalani Horton) have a similar appeal: full voices that are commanding and powerful, but not intimidating. He doesn't stretch his vocals to uncomfortable lengths or oversing for emphasis; rather, he sings from the heart and lets the rest follow, resulting in a much more real, honest sound than most singers. Other vocalists contributing on the album include dub poet Sagenyah and Tuff Lion.
Iba's lyrics are powerful and positive aside from the unfortunate homophobia that rears its head on "What's It Gonna Take?" ("Too much batty man and too much lesbian, / Dem a indulge in abomination, / Dem a try fe brainwash the younger ones, / And for that they're going to pay."). Really, can't we just move past the hate? Especially when just a few lines later Iba sings, "We have to share the earth, live and let live man, / This has got to be the way."
Musicially, there are no duds on "Jah Lion," and as a whole, this is a mighty fine package, likely one of the best reggae releases of the year. Once again, Mt. Nebo has provided us with an alternative to the major label dancehall that is still dragging reggae down rather than moving it forward. Respect.
To find out more about Iba and other Mt. Nebo artists, visit MtNeboRecords.com.
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