As someone who started her career in an all-female band, Ione Angeles knows the importance of showcasing women, especially in a male-dominated genre like reggae. Several ‘sisters’ show their talent on ‘Wheelahs Riddim’, a compilation album she produced.
The veteran singer selected the artists for the 11-song project which was released on October 10. It has songs by roots-reggae stalwarts like Earl Zero, Natty Remo and Prezident Brown, as well as herself, Ashley Irae, Isha Bel and Ilaya Malaya.
All of them record songs on a neo-roots ‘riddim’ created by engineer Tuviel Levi.
“Everyone just did themselves, I did not request anything, as the beauty of it is to bring out all of our unique styles. My one goal was to have more female representation, and mix some artists from back in the day with some younger up-and-coming artists,” Ione Angeles explained.
Her song, ‘Never Alone’, is a collaboration with New York-based singer Revelashan, while Ashley Irae contributes ‘My Sunshine’. Isha Bel and Jah Time are featured on ‘I’ve Got to Learn’, with Ilaya Malaya’s song being ‘Lonely Feeling by The River’.
Ione Angeles, who is from Southern California, discovered reggae and Jamaican culture during the 1980s and first visited the country in 1990. While living there for six years, she befriended local musicians including Max Edwards, drummer for the Soul Syndicate Band.
With Edwards, Ione Angeles formed Tengeh, a roots-reggae band that released two albums.
