Hempress Sativa ADD

Review

Album Review: Jah Ova Evil - Forever Judah

07/20/2015

The story behind Jah Ova Evil is a tragic one. Alty George Nunes III aka Likkle Joe aka Jah Ova Evil (J.O.E.), an extremely talented youth and member of the Twelve Tribes of Israel born and raised in Vineyard Town in eastern Kingston, has passed away in February 2011 at age 24 before the debut album he worked on was finished. Sad as that may be, his story is also one that teaches us a lot about optimism, about finding the good in a bad event and elaborating on the positive. For one, his debut album Man From Judah was finished with the help of friends and family and released posthumously on his birthday the year after his untimely death. Secondly, the artist camp that had formed around Joe and the label Flo Factory decided to carry on his legacy and took over the name Jah Ova Evil in his commemoration. With Forever Judah (produced by Batelier Records, Slovakia), they now present a compilation dedicated to the inspirational figure J.O.E. has come to be.

It is thus with awe and reverence that I follow the first song, sung by the deceased himself. Belly Of The Beast is a prime example of Joe's conscious lyrics and his excellent, insistent voice. His younger twin brothers The Gideon (Aijah Nunes) and Selah (Jahnoi Nunes) perform equally well written pieces with equally gripping vocals. The former contributes Roots Rock (which is the first track out on video), Children Of Israel and Highest; the latter chimes in with Spread Love and Haile Jah. They even join forces for the wonderfully uplifting Badadeng – good vibes guaranteed!

Other artists included on the 14 tracks of the release are D'Excel and Jahwawah. Francini Olando Doylet, better known as D'Excel, is a name you should definitely remember. In a straightforward way he adds some fresh dancehall vibes to the album with Uncivil Unrest and Strive, while he proves that he masters ballad-style as well with the laid-back Roll It Up. A bit longer around has been Julius Griffiths, who contributes Your King Is On The Way. That's one of the pieces you just can't help but fall in love with, due to both the beautiful, melodic riddim and the comforting message implied by he title. And Jahwawah's voice, of course!

Some female energy is put in by lionesses Hempress Sativa (Jah Live) and Nicole Miller. Introducing herself to the international audience with Sweet Thing and Jah Love, the former background singer is just starting to step into the spotlight, supported by the Jah Ova Evil Crew and artists such as Micah Shemaiah, who firmly believes in her talent and included her on his recent Original Dread album.

Reaching the end of the album, it becomes clear that this release is more than a heart-felt dedication to Alty "J.O.E." Nunes who would have turned 29 on July 14th. In fact, it is also a manifestation of the values that the whole Jah Ova Evil community has in common; they claim that "our members advocate conscious music based on a message of love, equality and solidarity. They aspire to a world where poverty no longer exists and where everyone lives in harmony with their environment."

From the beautiful cover-art-work by Taj Francis to the wide variety of songs, this album brings to our attention some of Jamaica's finest examples of the current wave of creativity in craft and music as well as clever entrepreneurship and mutual support. With these forces active, good will prevail!