Sizzla: Kalonji Singles | Reggae vibes

Like many other artists at the forefront of Jamaica’s new roots movement, including Capleton, Luciano and Anthony B, Sizzla’s militant Rasta attitude is evident in his adherence to Prince Emmanuel’s priestly Bobo’ Shanti order, whose members often wear turbans and carry brooms. In 1996, Phillip “Fatis” Burrell released Sizzla’s debut album, Burning Up, but the following year Sizzla really set the reggae world alight with a stunning series of killer 45s, including the Firehouse crew’s Like mountain, Babylonian cowboy And Kings of the Earth for Fatis’ Xterminator label, and Clean your heart on Barry O’Hare’s Xrated label.

However, Sizzla fever reached a peak in the summer of 1997 with the almost simultaneous release of two albums by the artist: Praise You Jah And Black woman and child. Both became instant contemporary roots reggae classics. In February 1998, Sizzla returned to the UK for two ecstatically received shows in Birmingham and London as part of an Xterminator revue called ‘Hail Kings Of Glory ’98’ alongside Louie Culture, Mikey General, Malachi and Luciano, supported by Dean Fraser and the Firehouse Crew.

01 | Sizzla – The Road of Life (Xterminator 1995)

The road of life is one of Sizzla’s first 7″ singles released under the Xterminator label. Influences from artists such as Tony Rebel and Terror Fabulous are evident, but it is clear that the rising talent has managed to form his own style. Unlike many young artists who chase quick fame with limp tunes, Sizzla prioritizes the production of uplifting music. With Xterminator delivering an excellent riddim like this, Sizzla is well positioned for a successful career in the reggae genre.

02 | Sizzla & Shadow Man – It’s Not Over (Xterminator 1995)

MPLAalso known as Freedom Bluesis known as one of Jamaica’s most frequently reinterpreted riddims, so it’s no surprise that Xterminator has delivered a reinvented version. Unlike the version produced by Penthouse Records around the same time, this one has a livelier feel, with a softer bass line. Still, the horn melody that characterized The Revolutionaries’ original is more prominent here. Both Sizzla and Shadow Man deliver solid performances and complement each other nicely, resulting in a solid record.

03 | Sizzla – Purify Woman (Celblok 321 1996)

Produced by Mark Myrie, aka Buju Banton and Syl Gordon, Woman purify is one of the first singles to announce the end of Exterminator’s exclusive collaboration with Sizzla. Using Culture’s Natty never gets tired riddim, Sizzla delivers a delightful track where he praises women for more than just good performance and an attractive body, bringing a much-needed positive message about women in the music scene.

04 | Sizzla – Like Mountain (Fire Brigade 1997)

The iconic Mount Jerusalem riddim was built and produced by the mighty Firehouse Crew, recorded at Syl Gordon’s Cell Block recording studio, and mixed at Gussie Clarke’s Music Works. Sizzla shines with his dynamic lead track, Like mountainon this wicked new roots riddim. Additional contributions to the riddim come from Capleton, Anthony B, Jah Cure, Anthony Redrose, Lukie D and Singing Melody.