Many Lives
Reggae-Vibes:
On July 1, 2003 Mt. Nebo Records
launched Iba's full length debut album "Jah Lion
(Children of the Nile)", and now there's the singer's
highly anticipated sophomore album, "Many Lives". Backed
by well arranged fresh original riddims played by Bambú
Station, Iba -- whose voice and delivery is very
distinct -- delivers his ever conscious lyrics in truly
fine style. This thoroughly solid album contains a
decent amount of songs very worth of hearing. Amongst
them are the ode to his Mother and all mothers,
"Strongest Woman", the spirited cultural combination
tune with Ijah Menelik entitled "Afrika", the beautiful
"Jah Teachings", the awesome collaboration with
rough-voiced deejay Rafijah, "Babylon Don't Like", and
"World Crisis", a song with real stinging lyrics. -
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Reggae Guide:
Many Lives’ is Iba’s (pronounced "Eye-bah")
second album release. In 2003 Iba released his debut
album ‘Jah Lion (Children of the Nile)’ which generated
outstanding reviews and critical acclaim. Now he returns
with ‘Many Lives’ which is fresh, original and full of
positive vibes. The music is tight, well arranged with
original riddims laid down by Bambu Station. Iba’s voice
is unmistakable and complements the music extremely
well. Lyrically the tunes are conscious and full of
positive roots vibes. -
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VI Roots:
Iba returns with an excellent
sophomore album very much in the vein of the first -
classic Bambu station live roots production, powerful
lyrics and soothing vocals & harmonies. The single, "Afrika",
featuring Ijah Menelik, is one of the most powerful VI
tunes released this year. Many Lives is a poignant
expression of word, sound & power that displays Iba's
status as a skilled and experienced VI roots music
veteran. -
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BigUp Radio:
Iba’s Many Lives , released in
2006 on Mt. Nebo Records is definitely one of last years
truly inspiring works out of St. Croix, Virgin Islands.
Produced by Bambu Station, this a well composed,
collection of tracks with an uplifting, Rastafari
driven, serious roots and culture message that is
current to the times we livin’ in.
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Jah Lion (Children Of The
Nile)
Creation Steppin':
All I know is that the St. Croix roots scene must be something to
behold, as the Cruzans keep pumping out one awesome release after another. The latest of
this growing number of rootsmen is Iba, born Charles Encarnacion, with his debut album
"Jah Lion- Children of the Nile." Iba isn't entirely a stranger to us, as his
"Chant" led off the "Talkin Roots Vol. 1" compilation in fine style.
Iba wrote or co-wrote all of the tracks on "Jah Lion," and continues the Virgin
Islands' tradition of conscious lyrics and no slackness. - More
Suite 101:
Iba first caught my ear last year on when he appeared on Mt. Nebo Records' Talkin' Roots I
compilation. His Ossie Dellimore-esque sound was full of heart and soul, much like many of
the artists associated with Mt. Nebo. Iba's debut solo disc, Jah Lion (Children of the
Nile), continues the stage set by "Chant," the opening track on Talkin'
Roots I. Jah Lion's opener is "Rough Times," an old school roots
bubbler that allows Iba to flex his vocal skills and lyrical talents. - More
World Music Central:
The up-and-coming Mt Nebo Records label has thus far been
noteworthy for releasing quality reggae from outside of Jamaica, and let's hope they earn
in respect what they may not get in monetary riches. One of Mt. Nebo's key artists is Iba,
a Rasta from the island of St. Croix with an urgent, assertive vocal style that serves him
well on his Jah Lion album. He cuts sharply through songs of love, unity, history,
prophecy and the accountability of wrongdoers, all expertly backed by Mt. Nebo's house
band Bambu Station. - More
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