Veteran roots-reggae group Nagasa drops new album

Roots-reggae trio Nagasa is upholding the vocal tradition of the great trios of the '70s and '80s, unleashing their sweet harmonies with a new album titled Now or Never, via Stone Hites Records/Vpal Music.

Based in Philadelphia, USA, the members believe that they can give reggae a much-needed shot in the arm.

"What you will get from them is smooth harmonies, themes of struggle and revolution, sitting on top of no frills, one-drop instrumental tracks. It is a new millennium product that could easily fit any playlist going back 30 years or more," the group's manager Roger Grant said.

The singers just inked a distribution deal with Vpal Music as they aim to bring their unique brand of roots-reggae to a wider audience. The group released the album's title track to a great critical reception, and will be embarking on a tour to promote the album.

"The reception has been quite favourable so far," Grant said.

In 1979, the group first began its musical experiment with members Donald Bramwell, Livingston Edwards and Balfour Jim Saunders, all of whom hailed from Jamaica. Bramwell is the only original member left as Errol Russell and Milton Henry were added to create a new iteration of Nagasa in the 21st century. Over the years, the group has released three albums, Can't Stop Jah Children, Be Cool in Yourself and It's Time For Us.

Nagasa became a staple of the tri-state reggae scene opening for the likes of The Mighty Diamonds, Damian Marley, Israel Vibration and Maxi Priest. The group performed often on annual shows such as the Caribbean Music Festival and Reggae in the Park. The group peaked in popularity when it was the subject of an article in Billboard magazine, which favourably reviewed Nagasa's cover of the classic song Ooh Child.

"Now, they are ready to push the boundaries of reggae to new horizons," Grant said.