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Zion Head - Mount Zion (Zed2diZee)
ReviewsJun 14, 2024

Zion Head - Mount Zion (Zed2diZee)

By Jah Rebel

Jamaican producer Jonathan Holness aka Zion Head, who relocated to France, first appeared on our radar with the release of his 'Jah Watching' EP in 2022. Now, he presents his follow-up, 'Mount Zion', a full-length album that stands out not only for its excellent guest list but also for Zion Head's vocals, which occasionally bear a strong resemblance to Daweh Congo (something that didn't immediately catch our attention on that first EP).

'Mount Zion' opens with 'Chalice Baptized', a nyahbinghi percussion-driven track in which Zion Head warns of the dangers of pharmaceuticals and presents marijuana as a safe alternative.

'Education' stylistically recalls the early work of Anthony B, while tracks like 'Little Tuff', 'What A Strategy' and title track 'Mount Zion', showcase Zion Head's vocals closely resembling those of Daweh Congo.

Of a similar order but deserving a special mention is 'Police A Killer', a manifesto against police brutality.

In 'Sound Goes Bang', a track where Zion Head asserts that it doesn't matter what title you hold or what you possess when the final judgment is passed, we can already envision hands waving back and forth at his concerts... A true party anthem!

In the second half of the track list, we find a series of duets with artists such as Yasus Afari, who provides a touch of dub poetry in 'Only If You Try'; Anthony B, in the recognizable closer 'Mount Zion' (a track over the riddim of Bob Marley's 'Forever Loving Jah'); and Macka B with the successful affirmation of faith 'Praise To Jah'. However, our personal favourite is 'Affi Touch Di Road', a highly infectious up-tempo combination with Stranger Miller and the unfamiliar Cento P.

Highly enjoyable album!

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Zion Head - Mount Zion (Zed2diZee)

About the Author

Jah Rebel
More

Together with Jah Shakespear, one of the founders of Reggae.be, he first started as a critic and a reporter before in the end of 2014 becoming editor in chief. Divides his time between his two passions: music and Haile Selassie.

Genres

RaggaReggaeNew RootsDub Poetry

Published

Jun 14, 2024