Buzzz Caribbean Lifestyle Magazine

Most reggae fans might not readily connect with the name Duane Stephenson, however, with the release of his debut solo effort "From August Town", the former To-Isis front man is sure to carve his name in the hearts of music lovers all over the world.

Credited for his authorship of Jah Cure's mega hit "True Reflections", Stephenson, who is already known for his songwriting abilities, is well on his way to claiming a bigger slice of the international reggae music industry pie. Radio hits such as "Ghetto Pain", "Heaven Will Rise Up" and the cover of Tyrone Taylor's "Cottage in Negril", all bear the wailing signature of this ghetto soul. They are well supported by the inspirational "Exhale", which features fellow new-school crooner Tarrus Riley, and the testimonial title track "August Town".

Laced with soul, social commentary and tight lyrics, the Dean Fraser-produced "From August Town" is definitely a great investment towards musical satisfaction.

Queen Ifrica - "Fyah Muma"
Flames Production
4/5 stars

Queen Ifrica is known across the world for her fiery lyrics and blazing performances, so it's more than fitting for her highly anticipated debut album to be titled "Fyah Mumma". However, the 21-track package offers a pleasant surprise in the way of variety. It serves up social commentary, love themes, spirituality and other pro-Rastafarian topics. This is a clear indication of the versatility and dedication of one of reggae's most seasoned daughters.

Songs like "Below The Waist", "Fyah Muma", "Randy", "Sensimina" and "Genocide" should strike a familiar chord with reggae lovers, while the poignant "Boxers and Stocking", "Zinc Fence" and "Natty Fi Grow" are sure to have you glued to this album for quite some time.

Prodigal Son - "Songs From My Midnight/Break Of Day"
4/5 stars

It's double the fun for gospel fans, as Prodigal Son - the genre's boldest figure - returns to the top of the charts with his double-disc delight "Songs From My Midnight" and "Break Of Day". Known for his radical approach to the gospel ministry and his blurring of the lines that separate the hallowed halls of Christendom and the secularity of dancehall music, Prodigal has once again delivered music enveloped in bass-induced rhythms and pulsating beats.

"Blessings" has emerged as the album's signature track and is also generating tremendous support in local dancehalls. "Love God Bad" on a revamped version of the 1980's Sleng Teng rhythm, "Back To The Garrison" and "Bongo Town" are sure to raise interests. Offerings such as "Crying In My Midnight", "Dry Bones Live" and the introspective "This Place" add tremendous balance to this welcomed and timely masterpiece.

Javaughn - "Superstar"
Tuff Gong/Ghetto Youths
3/5 stars

He is not quite the superstar that the title of his debut album suggests. However, Javaughn is well on his way to stardom after registering a very respectable effort on his maiden project. Displaying a level of control and maturity beyond his years, the youngster looks set to become a household name in the not too distant future.

Under the tutelage of bonafide reggae superstar Damian "Junior Gong" Marley, Javaughn's smooth vocals and positive perspective has already won him a number of admirers. The album gets off to a great start with the well-polished "Present Of Love" and continues in its vein of richness with tracks such as "Peer Pressure" and the already popular title track "Superstar". Javaughn gives an insight into the matchless talent of Jamaica's youth and to his credit, he does it with a message that everyone needs to hear. The only disappointment is the album's inconsistency in terms of quality, with the better songs scattered indiscriminately across the 10-track project.

Shaggy - "Intoxication"
VP Records
4/5 Stars

The sultry baritone of Shaggy - one of Jamaica's most recognisable voices on the international music scene - is set to dominate the airwaves with the release of his latest masterpiece "Intoxication". He remains true to the fundamentals of unadulterated reggae/dancehall, producing an intoxicating cocktail of witty lyrics, heart-pounding beats and smooth collaborations, which are sure to provide a general feel-good vibe.

Shaggy addresses everything from infidelity and sexual proficiency to hypocrisy in the church. The latter is captured in the controversial radio anthem "Church Heathen", which acts as the album's flag bearer. "Bonafide Girl" has also gotten off to a good start with music lovers, while other tracks such as "More Woman", "Intoxication" and "Mad, Mad World" (featuring Sizzla Kalonji and Collie Buddz) are sure to excite. Along the lines of his 2000 world-conquering hit "It Wasn't Me", the Big Yard label standard bearer allows his acute imagination to run wild on "Woman Scorn", with "What's Love" (featuring Akon) and "All About Love" supporting well.

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