Bolt adds Queen Ifrica’s ‘unique’ sound to album

Usain Bolt's recently released Sweet 7 Riddim album has reignited a huge fanfare once again with the the addition of a track from Queen Ifrica.

Bolt said the decision to add a 'plus one' was a strategic decision that was very "fitting" for the album's purpose and message.

"We felt Queen Ifrica would have added some extra energy to the project after its release. Her unique vocal, energy and lyrical depth really fits in perfectly with our vision for the Sweet 7 Riddim," Bolt told THE STAR. When asked if this meant that the album is now open to accept other artistes, Bolt replied, "Once we can establish that the message is the right fit, yea we are open to it".

Queen Ifrica shared her excitement about doing her first recording with Jamaica's beloved athlete-turned-producer.

"Well yuh done know, enuh, a wi champ dat, our national gem, national treasure about to venture into music in terms of a producer. So that in itself is a pleasure and an honour to support, you know, our Usain Bolt in his quest to become 'the' producer. And wi know seh if him gwaan suh inna running, him ago just mash up music same way too," Queen Ifrica laughed. "Suh that's the excitement for me because a wi treasure and we can never undo wah dah yout deh duh fi wi as a country."

The single, which was originally titled Feet, was later changed to A.E.I.O.U. Nothing, which stemmed from the singer receiving inspiration during her studio session with the A-Team Lifestyle crew.

"It was really about me saying, 'Feet don't fail me, I got to keep moving', you know that phase in life where we reach and we need dah kinda [encouragement] deh. So when we were recording in the studio and we made the song and everybody was just vibing, we decided that the 'feet' was too regular to call it so we decided to go with A.E.I.O.U. Nothing. I was saying in a couple of lines that, ' let me tell you how I feel with a few vowels, A E I O U, that's nothing,'" she explained.

"The message is always going to be foremost and this time [this track] is about just walking off, you having faith and being patient with things that you go through in life," she added. Queen Ifrica described the rhythm as refreshing and lauded the messages of the songs.

"I am the modern elder yuh nuh and I have made it to the future as someone who is coming from close to 50 years back. And that in itself, gave me a sense of kudos to be among the youths [and] among a variety of great musicians and artistes and to add something that has value to the space as well. I'm bringing something to the table as well where thought process is concerned and that tingle in music as well suh yeah man it's a good vibe," she added.

Bolt said "it was a joy" working with the reggae maestro and opined that her sound will add a distinctive output on the overall album.

"Queen Ifrica's vocals are very distinct. Once you hear her, you know it's her. Her ability to sing and also DJ sets her apart," said Bolt.