Yours truly might never become an unconditional fan of Monica Tavares, better known as Mo'Kalamity - something in her vocal tone simply doesn't quite resonate - but that doesn't diminish the fact the French-Cape Verdean singer, with 'Shine' already presenting her fifth studio album, has become a solid presence in the European reggae scene.
By Jah Rebel
The 2018 release ‘One Love Vibration’ saw her journeying to Jamaica to collaborate with the riddim twins Sly & Robbie, and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the urge to venture out proved once again irresistible. This sentiment is beautifully encapsulated in ‘Gotta Get Away,’ the lead single from ‘Shine,’ which Mo’Kalamity describes as: “…l’expression d’un souffle de liberté, une invitation au voyage en se laissant guider par le mouvement qui est la vie et de ce qui en abonde.”.
In New York, Mo’Kalamity found herself at Mercy Sound Studio in Brooklyn, surrounded by industry veterans such as sound engineer Sidney Mills (Steel Pulse), guitarist Andy Bassford (known for his work with Dennis Brown and Monty Alexander), drummer Karl Wright (from Monty Alexander’s band), and bassist Rupert ‘Boops’ McKenzie (associated with Bushman, Eek-A-Mouse, Meta & The Cornerstones). However, the allure of Jamaica proved too strong once again, leading her back to Kingston to collaborate anew with Sly Dunbar and Robbie Lyn., who this time were joined by sound engineer Delroy ‘Fatta’ Pottinger, bassist Earl ‘Flabba’ Holt, guitarist Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith, and drummer Kirk ‘Kirkledove’ Bennett, among others.
For reasons unknown to this reviewer, Mo’Kalamity has consistently chosen English as her primary language for years, although we find her much more convincing when she occasionally switches to French or her native Crioulo or Cape Verdean Creole, as can be heard in the beautiful track ‘Mundo’ on this new album. Moreover, it’s one of several tracks on ‘Shine’ where the flute played by Yann Cléry (a member of Mo’Kalamity’s backing band The Wizards) takes centre stage.
For the infectious track ‘Stand Up’, Mo’Kalamity enlisted none other than Mother Culture, Sister Carol, who effortlessly transforms the song into one of our absolute favourites in the track list. ‘African Descendants’ is not a cover of the similarly titled Studio One classic by Alton Ellis; rather, it is a solid new roots tune featuring delightful brass arrangements by Kemroy Bonfield (saxophone), Romeo Gray (trombone), and Andre ‘Bolo’ Palmer (trumpet). The album concludes with a dub version of the same track, highlighting the trombone skills of Romeo Gray.
Additionally, aesthetics matter, and it must be said: Valentin Desjardin provided a stunning cover photo!
Mo’Kalamity will be presenting ‘Shine’ live on Thursday, August 22, as part of the Helden in het Park festival in Eeklo!
Founder alongside Jah Shakespear who transitioned to this role in late 2014. Previously worked as critic and reporter, balancing passions for music and Haile Selassie spirituality.
April 29, 2024