Saturday, June 20th, 2009  |  NO COMMENTS

Queen Ifrica: Montego Bay

The poised yet audacious singer/songwriter Queen Ifrica unveils her highly anticipated LP Montego Bay

Artist: Queen IfricaLabel: VP

Released: 16 June 2009
Queen Ifrica’s second album, Montego Bay, is a good effort and shows her versatility as an artiste. It could have been a typical ‘Rasta album’ since there is the ever-present warning of the microchip, a desire to return to Africa and also an ode to marijuana.

But, Ifrica and the producers of this effort ensured that it was not a stereotypical and monotonous project because, in-between the regular warnings and odes, there are social commentary, love, praises, inspirational words and a call for attention to her birthplace, Montego Bay. There is also the controversial hit Daddy and the clever Keep It To Yourself which raises concerns about homosexuality in Jamaica.

All in all, Montego Bay is a project which can be considered for one’s CD collection for those of us who still buy them. The album opens with “TTPNC”, a Rasta chant and Ifrica paying tribute to Emperor Hailie Selassie through praise. The backup singers, the chanting and drums give a truly African feel and one cannot help but like this song regardless of one’s religious beliefs.

“Welcome To Montego Bay”, the second track on the album, sees Ifrica getting down to more ‘secular’ business. She calls attention to Montego Bay, declaring it a location in need of attention which it should get, especially since it is Jamaica’s tourist Mecca.

The third track on the album, “Coconut Shell”, is an ode to ganja which she explains “red up her eye and lef ‘har up in a di sky”. It takes a shot at the authorities who destroy ganja plants. It also states that marijuana is a multi-purpose plant. And, this is where the album begins to sound like a typical Rasta album. But, “Lioness On The Rise” rescues it from this because Ifrica uses the opportunity to offer a hand of friendship when one is in need.

“Yad To The East”, “Don’t Sign” and “Far Away” are good tracks and covers issues such as a declaration as to one’s religion, the need to stand strong, love and the desire to return to Africa.

“Daddy” (in both English and Spanish), “Keep It To Yourself”, “Street Are Bloody” and “Far Away” are the only familiar tracks on the album, but don’t be deterred because the other tracks are just as good.

Overall, Montego Bay is a good disc and deserves a listen.

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