Singer Dona V and producer Lloyd “King Jammy” James dug deep into their archives for ‘When Last’, the new album from the former which was released in April. They also co-produced the 10-song set.
The New York-based Dona V recorded songs like ‘President Nebuchadnezzar’, ‘Mus Haffi Get Yuh’, ‘I Will be Fine’ and a cover of Delroy Wilson’s ‘I Don’t Know Why’ on classic dancehall rhythms from the 1980s and 1990s. Those beats were produced by King Jammy, whose songs flourished during that period.
According to Dona V, the producer was keen to work with him after hearing his vocals.
“Interestingly, almost all of these songs were written about 30 years ago but were only recently recorded at King Jammy’s studio in February. In terms of sound, King Jammy thought I had a Cocoa Tea similarity, and as a result most of the background vocals were intentionally used to divert a little from that Cocoa Tea sound,” Dona v disclosed.
Cocoa Tea, who died in 2025, recorded several hit songs for King Jammy, including ‘Young Lover’ and ‘Tune In’. They were recorded on beats that also feature hit singles from leading acts such as Sanchez, Ninja Man and Papa San.
‘When Last’ is dominated by lovers’ rock songs.
“There is definitely a lovers rock thing going on right now, which I definitely want to be a part of. Actually, this is the first album I have ever done with so many love songs,” said Dona V.