Indra – Kingdom Call

Barbados-born award winning songstress, songwriter, dancer & vocal coach, who goes by the name of Indra (aka Indrani), presents her brand new 12-track album Kingdom Call which is produced by Kris Kemist of UK-based Reality Shock Studio and record label.

Although perhaps not widely known in the reggae fraternity, the 5ft versatile sweet-voiced Indra Rudder certainly is no newcomer in the business. In her teens, Indra’s singing and songwriting skills were discovered by Guyanese-British singer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Eddy Grant (lead singer of The Equals in the ’60s, before he went solo in the second half of the ’70s). Based in Barbados since 1982, he there began producing and promoting local artists besides doing his own recordings. Grant, who became Indra’s music mentor, produced two albums for her on his Ice Records label – a family album called Ringbang For Kids (2003) and Most Devine (2007). She went on to become one of the most prolific backing vocalists in the Caribbean. Her vocal is featured on over 2000 recordings by artists such as Alison Hinds, Tippa Irie, Mr Lexx, Rupee, Mikey General, Patrice Roberts, and Mr. Vegas. While living in Jamaica, she also worked as a songwriter for artists like Nadine Sutherland, Luciano, and Mr. Vegas, and is named in the credits of 8 tracks on the latter’s 2012 dbl CD Sweet Jamaica. She also recorded tunes with Rory Stone Love such as the acclaimed Journey. After her return to Barbados, Indra spent her days farming, hiking, and recording in her home studio. In 2021, she travelled to the UK, teamed up with Kris Kemist, and recorded the tracks for the Kingdom Call album. The next year, she travelled to Jamaica to complete the album started with Stone Love.

It’s early 2023, and Kingdom Call, the first of her two new albums, is out on the street. Several tracks, including Shine On You, Wake Up Call, For The Remnant, and Plant Up The Land, may be already familiar to the ears of reggae fans as they previously appeared as music videos on Indra’s YouTube channel. All these aforementioned tunes are not only vocally truly worth hearing but also musically and lyrically. And the same goes for the tracks not yet mentioned. Without disqualifying the other already known songs, it’s obvious that especially Shine On You is a tune of sheer beauty. Although there may be a difference in terms of personal preferences the genuine highlights of Kingdom Call include the heartfelt sung Cold World and Wolves, with the latter being a personal favourite.

If you’re looking for well-produced and expertly sung captivating message music, this album is worth checking.