STYLE MAGAZINE

Review by: Roberto Curtis

St. Lucia-born reggae singer Taj Weekes has a lot on his mind, from touring to running his nonprofit, They Often Cry Outreach, which aims to improve the lives of underprivileged children. So he keeps his music simple.

Not trying to push the envelope with overdone studio magic, Weekes’ latest release is refreshingly honest. Staying true to the roots traditions of Marley and the Skatalites, “Deidem” commands respect with classic Caribbean percussion, funky guitar flourishes and one of the most chilling quartets of female back-up singers you’ll ever hear in reggae.

Weekes sports a smoky yet serene voice, soaring high into the alto range. “The people have the power to affect change,” Weekes sings about the effects of genocide, response to natural disasters and pre-emptive war. Even if his music isn’t pioneering, the lyrics do the genre proud, as in “Propaganda War” — “tailored lies untutored scores/a truth a hiding spree/Oh how frail reality.” And songs like “We Stand” and “Hollow Display” show the profound musical dialogue Adowa has developed amongst its members. So nice to see there’s still room for simplicity.