Jah9 satisfied with ‘Note To Self’

Widely acknowledged as part of the much-heralded 'reggae revival movement', singer, songwriter, yogi, academic and entrepreneur Jah9 has completed an explorative series of notes to her own self, which she has compiled into an album and mini documentary.

Simply called Note to Self, the album comprises 15 tracks of original, new material, and Jah9 is not only thankful for the persons who have worked with her on the production of this "relatable" body of work, she declares her full satisfaction about the entire project.

"As an artiste, you never really feel like you are finished, but you know that at some point you have to stop," she said. "The material is all original," the Yoga on Dub conceptualiser added.

She explained that she hasn't done covers on an album, mainly because she's first and foremost a writer, and she always has so much original material. However, she will sing songs from her favourite artistes, including Nina Simone, Billie Holliday and Sizzla Kalonji, during her live performances.

Jah9 has so far released two singles from Note To Self, the most recent is Ma'at, translated as 'Each Man'. In this note to herself, Jah9 questions the real reasons for actions, whether it is for 'likes' or simply because a certain course of action is deemed right.

SERVANT

Very big on service, Jah9 credits her parents with developing this trait in her. Her father was the pastor of the William Knibb Memorial Church in Trelawny and her mother worked at the Social Development Commission, and this exposure, Jah9 says, quietly directed her path.

"I grew up seeing good karma and great rewards. My parents were just always doing good deeds, whether it was taking in people or just being there for them. I believed that they were angels," she said, adding that her father is her biggest fan.

"Although my parents are Christians they are Afrocentric, and when I was going through my personal journey, I was able to talk with them about everything. They are my best friends. My mother has no filter, she will tell you exactly how she feels; but my father feels like a part of it. He was the radical of his generation and was known as the 'Rasta Pastor'.

"When I took him to Scott's Pass, the elders just took him and went off with him, because they knew him, and all this was before I was even born," she said with a mystical smile.

Note To Self, Jah9's third studio album, drops on March 13 on VP Records. Chris Chin, CEO of VP Records says, "With this album, she really brings a new level of artistry to reggae."