Yasus Afari speaks at the launch of his book 'Overstanding Rastafari: Jamaica's Gift to the World' and CD titled 'Revolution Chapter 1', in March. - File

Album: Revolution: Chapter 1

Artiste: Yasus Afari

Genre: Reggae (dub poetry)

Rating: Two out of five

When a CD is entitled Revolution: Chapter 1, one expects a whole new radical effort by an artiste. However, this album falls short of the mark.

Reggae in nature, the subject matter consists of the usual Rastafarian focus on injustice and the need for change. Opening with Essence, Yasus gives praise to Jah for being the essence of his life, which continues in the second song, A So Di Ting Set.

No stand-out lines

He then tries to get the populace to 'lick out' against the government and demons in society' before going to the tears of the people in People A Bawl.

While the lyrics are all serious and conscious, there were no were no stand-out lines or bridges that really capture your attention and make one really want to think.

Most of the songs just blend into each other, with few really moving the listener to want to repeat. The song that goes down the smoothest is People A Bawl, which features very talented back-up singers.

Beat-wise, there is not much variation either as most of the songs have a basic beat, except for the likes of Rasta Biz-Niz. With a dub-poetry style of music, one expects far more, clever lyrics accompanied by a powerful beat that really draws the attention of the people.

Yasus has a very smooth voice. However, for mass appeal and variety, Revolution: Chapter 1 needs to invoke more change.

Track Listing

1) Essence

2) A So Di Ting Set

3) Rawtid

4) Lik Out

5) People A Bawl/Vocal tears

6) Rasta Biz-Niz

7) Tek Teaching

8) Jump Fi Shiloh

9) Head Fi Good

10) Watch Weh Yu Puttin Yu Teet

11) Put It Een

12) Fountain Pen

13) Blue

14) Seal It Up

15) Dub Fountain

-Krista Henry