I’ve always enjoyed various types of music, if you’ve ever read any of my previous music reviews you’ll quickly find that I have a varied appetite when it comes to music. Recently while playing one of my wife’s CD titled ‘SIZZLA Bobo Ashanti’ I had the unique opportunity to savor upon the tunes of an artist that’s considered a revolutionary in the music industry.


The CD cover has a picture Sizzla dressed in a kaki styled outfit were he has his right hand, stretched in the air as if he’s attempting to grab you. Sizzla goes by several names including “Kalonji” and “Sizzla Kalonji”. His birth name is Miguel Collins. In this CD Sizzla embraces his roots, culture, and Jamaican heritage.


Sizzla’s music borrows from the traditional reggae sounds as he sings songs about political discord, the corrupt government and life in Jamaica. However his music does not fit into the traditional reggae category blending more of a Jamaican sound resting in the heartbeat of the Rastafarian theme. Sizzla’s vocals runs between a very brusque voiced vocalist and a singing DJ. Although I visited Jamaica as an undergraduate I only experienced the exquisite beaches and luxuriant landscapes. After listening to this CD one can quickly gather that Jamaica is an island of contrasts.


Perhaps Sizzla can be compared to Sinead O Conner in that at times his music has angry, emotional and expressive dimensions that separate him from other artists and musicians. The first song is sung in English, understanding it may initially present a challenge if you are not use to hearing someone sing with a strong Caribbean accent. My wife is from Trinidad and speaks with a Caribbean accent all the time so understanding Sizzla’s lyrics was a virtual stroll down the beach.


The song “The World” posses all the beats you would expect to hear at a West Indian reggae dance club. This is one of my favorite songs on this CD simply because its first and its played often. Sizzla sings with conviction and at times it sounds like he is preaching his melodic tunes. It’s relatively easy to figure out that Sizzla is of the Rastafarian faith as he sings about it through out most of his songs on this CD.


The second track reminds me of a jazzed up Indian tune with varied strings and a strong steady base beat. Unfortunately it is my least favorite on the entire CD. Sizzla’s voice quickly overshadows the music as he sings the song titled, “Courage”. The listener promptly gets the message “Don’t loose your courage.” I enjoy listening to inspiring songs however this song left me wanting a calmer singing artist and louder harmonious tunes. In addition as he sings about courage, Sizzla continues to yell Rastafari sporadically in the song. It’s like sitting on the beach under cloudy skies, you know it’s going to rain sooner or later because you feel the sporadic rain drops hitting your face.


The third track titled “Whether Or Not” picks up the beat reminding me of a cool hip-hop club beat with the more traditional reggae mixed sound that I’m familiar with. The beat and the music blend together taking presenting a laid back tune that’s easy to get into. If I were a Disc Jockey I’d play the song “Whether Or Not” on any top 40 pop music radio station. This song reflects Sizzla’s skills in taking Jamaican rap and putting it to a rhombic pulsating base beat.


The eighth song “Wicked Naw Go Prosper” is a slow rhyming beat that easy to catch on to. Bobo gives a brief rapping intro then he starts off then begins singing, the melody is nice as he continues to sing with his strong Caribbean accent.


Finally, the CD is brought to a close with the 13th track titled, “Must Rise” is an upbeat swift moving reggae beat, which makes you, want to tap your toes and move your body. After listening to the song a few times it’s easy to tell how this song ranked high on the reggae music charts. In this review I discussed several songs off of the CD titled “SIZZLA Bobo Ashanti”, actually contains 13 songs, which are listed below:


1. The World
2. Courage
3. Whether Or Not
4. Grow U Locks
5. This Day
6. Attack
7. Glorify
8. Wicked Naw Go Prosper
9. Good Looking
10. Do Good
11. Strength & Hope
12. Children Beware
13. Must Rise.


The 13 songs are filled with guitar, keyboards, bass, drums, piano, organ and the vocals of Sizzla. Most importantly, this CD allows Sizzla the opportunity to share his pain, struggles and sincere frankness that may be offensive to those unaware of the struggles and challenges he’s has personally endured in his homeland Jamaica. If you’ve ever listened to any of Sizzla’s previous CD’s then I’m sure you would recognize that the quality of his music has been extremely consistent, with his intense manner of delivery in his message. I’m giving this CD 3 stars, it’s not terrible but it’s not terrific either.


Recommended: Yes