Rochester, New York has never had a big reggae scene, but Rivas was raised in a diverse community there, where the music of roots legend Bob Marley were played. That got him interested in Jamaican culture.
In 2024, he visited the country for the first time. While in the capital Kingston, he recorded ‘Jah Praises’, a song with veteran singer-songwriter Sangie Davis.
The duo co-wrote the Nyahbinghi-inspired track which was released on August 21.
“The message behind ‘Jah Praises’ is to be in harmony with humanity and nature. To display the love of Jah, our creator in every circumstance,” said Rivas.
He was driven to write the song after reading Psalm 24, verse one, which states that, “The Earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof”. According to Rivas, “I felt a sudden realization of me as a creation and I must give Jah praise in every situation and season.”
He showed the draft to Davis during their chance meeting in New York. The latter, who has written songs for Bob Marley, Nadine Sutherland and Tinga Stewart, made additions and ‘Jah Praises’ was born.
Davis — a senior member of the Twelve Tribes of Israel — sings while Rivas raps on the song for which there is a video. For Rivas, his Jamaican experience was transformative.
“My first impression of Jamaica felt like home. I am a Puerto Rican and being on the island of Jamaica felt similar in a sense of island beauty and nice vibes,” he stated. “The people of Jamaica were very nice and helpful. It felt amazing to be in the homeland of reggae music and Rastafari.”
