Gracious Mama Africa, Dezarie (2001)

To describe Dezarie’s vibe—soul-stirring basslines, sweet melodies, militant lyrics—is to enumerate the qualities that give reggae global appeal. And yet there’s something unique in Gracious Mama Africa that defies adjective. Consider, from “Poverty”: “…them raise certain price despite / Just so black youth them can’t enjoy / So in return all them want do is fight / Poverty a blow the youths, them mind.” Transforming weariness into clear-eyed conviction into song is not so easy. If all music were just this true, the record execs would be broke and the mountains would indeed be made of big rock candy. We’ll get there. In the meantime, lean back and listen to a sister that won’t let you lie to yourself, or anyone else. 9