Various – Artibella Riddim

Italy’s Vibes Corner – a record label founded by members of Kaya Sound and One Love Hi Powa – attracted notable attention with their late 2017 release of the “Stone Juice Riddim”. The latter featured a whole heap of Italian artists and the Jamaican singers Luciano, Mikey General and Natty King.

Now Vibes Corner returns with the “Artibella Riddim”, played by the Firehouse Crew and recorded at Anchor Recording Studios in Jamaica. It’s actually a remake of the classic Studio One riddim that underpinned the 1965 released original “Artibella” song by Ken Boothe & Stranger Cole. Burro Banton – the veteran dancehall reggae deejay with the deep, gruff voice – gets things going with the decent cut “Still A Maintain”, before Horace ‘Sleepy’ Andy comes up with the excellent message tune “Perilous Times”. Also uprising Jamaican roots vocalist Aza Lineage leaves a truly serious impression with her beautifully sung “Can’t Sit Down”, a tune with engaging lyrics. Seamus Ikonya, born in Kenya and living in Italy, rounds off in real fine style with “Some Luv”. With his cut for the riddim Seamus Ikonya shows that he’s a singer to keep an eye on.

Well worth tracking down!