A 'gift of Vijjahn' indeed

Yasus Afari

Western Bureau

YASUS Afari and Friends' Gift of Vijjahn, a new album on compact disc released on the House of Honour label, offers to listeners an excellent combination of sounds and inspiration.

The album is a combination of old and new songs. It touches on nearly all aspects of life, from romance it moves to health then on to spirituality before settling at man's connection to nature.

Beres Hammond, Singing Melody, Freddie McGregor, Luciano, Black Uhuru, Garnet Silk, Jah Son, Natural Black and Bryan San got together to support Yasus Afari's powerful dub poetry and the final product is outstanding.

The remarkable talent of each of the performers offers an interesting variety of sounds.

But it is the distinct sound of the dub poet which brings the whole project together. His words emphasise the mood of the music and in instances clarifies the meaning and intention of the message.

Interestingly, Yasus Afari uses this special Gift to define the full range of dub poetry. He extends himself to the border of deejay on the one hand while allow the sound to sing-song on the other with the more love-theme tunes.

Gift of Vijjahn is worth the while.