By Liam Monaghan
From outta St Ann, Jamaica, We have the new EP from Akinsanya titled ‘Dub Trafficka’ and its a little different to current releases out in the scene. In Akinsanya’s music, you can hear hard graft and thoughtfulness with his lyrics. His influence and style comes from his background, from hardworking parents and using his experiences within school to pursue the arts and become a word smith. Dub Trafficka is a nice EP and very easy listening, it doesn’t throw religion or opinions down your throat. The riddims are constructed well, which you’d expect from a member of the Uprising Roots Band and is out on the Junior Wize Production / Tru Music imprint.
West Side Herb.
Dub poetry is key in this track, Akinsanya has an interesting delivery. The riddim is minimalistic, chilled drumming with a bassline walking up and down the riddim. Guitar strums flick throughout the record setting the pace. Clear influence of african music from this with the external drumming and splashes of percussion. Nice tune.
Babylon Wah Gang Jah.
Another wicked riddim, simple, stripped back and similar to the first riddim to keep the musical flow intact. Akinsanya uses harmonies on sections of this track which brings the track together nicely. Missions statement of this track is based on Cannabis and the benefits of it. Nice song, subtle horn lines towards the end give an authentic feel of a roots Reggae/Dub record.
Defender Of The Faith
Lots of praise here for Haile Selassie. Rasta focused record with positive tones. The riddim is very different to the previous 2 tracks with simply hand drumming which takes us back to that African influenced. Akinsanya has a way of painting what his messages into and art with his intelligent poetry.
Egyptian Serenade
Immidiately hearing this 2 words entered my head… Augustus Pablo! many would mention his name anytime someone plays a melodica however the style of the Melodica performance in this record is the same style pattern as Pablo and personally i think it does the track justice. An airy record with those wicked drum arrangements and splattering symbols and echoes.
Eye Rise.
To finish off, we see the Melodica return. I’d put this riddim down to a more Roots Reggae record down to the fact its not dark and gives that feeling that Dub gives you. Theres an air of openness in this track, positive, another instrumental thats easy listening. Maybe some female vocals on this would be nice but thats just curiosity! A great way to bring a really nice and different EP to a close. Big up Akinsanya.
Akinsanya, a Jamaican dub poet and a keyboardist of The Uprising Roots Band, spiritually presents [Dub Trafficka EP] on Junior Wize Production / Tru Music imprint.
Consisting of wordwise dub poetry songs and noble melodica instrumentals. The EP also includes an unreleased melodica inst. “Eye Rise” produced by The Uprising Roots Band.
