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By FALANA FRAY
Meet Queen Ifrica, one of roots reggae’s hottest female vocalists since Marcia Griffiths whose effervescent sound will have you chanting roots, reality and culture. With her profound lyrics, powerful voice, pulsating rhythms, unique style and spirited performances, Ifrica is undoubtedly the new “Queen of Roots Reggae.” Former Prime Minister of Jamaica Portia Simpson declared the Fyah Muma as one of her favorite artists. Daughter of the legendary ska great Derrick Morgan, Queen Ifrica stands as one of today’s crucial reggae figures with immense cross-over appeal, yet manages to keep her music pure and clean with catchy rhymes and clever reason. Her fans are in for a musical treat.
As a winner in the Best Female Deejay category at this year’s International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), this Royal Empress is poised to be crowned for her hard work and diligence. She continues to blaze up reggae music charts and heat up radio airwaves with her debut album Fyah Muma, produced by Flames Productions. Featuring her chart topping hits “Below the Waist” and “Randy,” Queen Ifrica’s debut release is a guaranteed classic and an automatic purchase for any true reggae lover. It’s inspirationally uplifting and musically entertaining. During an interview with WhereItzAt Magazine, we got a chance to ask Queen Ifrica about the inspiration behind her royal sound:
When did you start your singing career?
I started in 1998 after meeting Tony Rebel at a stage show in honor of the late Garnet Silk in Montego Bay, but I started singing because of Garnet Silk. When I heard him, it was very inspiring.
What other artists do you look up to for inspiration?
Tony Rebel is very much my mentor, and as far as females, I love Nina Simone and Marcia Griffiths.
Was your father, Derrick Morgan, a big influence?
Well, I was not raised by my father, but since meeting him it’s reassuring to know that I can call him if I ever need to ask him anything about music.
Your music appeals to many people because it is grounded in the daily realities of life, from love and relationships to poverty and crime (e.g. “No Love Again” and “Mi Nah Rub”). Do you sing from your own personal experience or does it come from what you see around you?
In some of my songs it would seem like the things I sing about are of my personal experience, but it’s the way I go about writing them. I think that if you try to face yourself, or put yourself in the position of someone suffering around you, then we can begin to understand each other more.
Bob Marley said “music is news.” Do you feel the same way about your music? What do you want to teach people through your music?
Music is a wonderful way to impact change and I know Bob would be in total agreement with me. I want not just to teach, but to remind people of what it means to love and respect one another no matter what it is they are going through.
Your breakthrough song “Below the Waist” (my favorite by the way) continues to dominate the airwaves and top reggae charts. Where did you come up with the lyrics to that song?
I came up with that song one day from just watching Judge Judy. The show was about a couple who took each other to court over a dollar. The judge was very upset because the lady just had a baby for the man, like a day before coming there. The child’s mother was saying that she did it to discipline him. So Judge Judy told the father they better work out their own problems. I was listening to the rhythm from penthouse and decided to write the song like the way it really goes.
Over a dollar! (laughing)….Your song “Daddy” which deals with incest and child abuse received a lot of attention. It was an eye opener and stirred up much controversy and debate. How do you feel about the attention it has received, especially from UNICEF?
That has to be a wonderful feeling. At the end of the day when we do songs like these, we want the right people to respond. So when UNICEF showed an interest in a song like Daddy, we give thanks because it means that not only children from my part of the world, but right across the globe can have a voice. Incest affects a lot of lives, so it’s only fair that we try to help those affected as much as we can to overcome their troubles.
I understand that you have promised to work with UNICEF to bring awareness and stamp out this scourge. Tell us about that.
There is a community project that we formed called Committee for Community. It was started when we were invited to a community by a sister called Angela Stulz who is a social worker. Tony Rebel, Mutabaruka, Italee, Sandra Alcott, Carol Norcices are some of the people who formed the Committee. UNICEF is pleased with the effort and we feel encouraged.
What other community outreach activities are you involved in?
I am also involved in another project called Sistas for Sistas. It was formed by the Women’s Bureau of Jamaica. There are a lot of artists who are involved also.
You were recently nominated for 3 International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA). Were you surprised? How excited are you about this recognition?
It’s a great feeling. He that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. So we give thanks when Haile bless wi, yunnuh!
How has your debut album Fyan Muma been received in Jamaica and abroad? Are you working on your next album?
The album is loved all over. Everywhere I go, people tell me how they love it. I am working on my 2nd album to release in the summer. And as always, we are putting out singles.
Many fans compare you to a mix between Anthony B and Capleton. How do you feel about that?
I do not compare myself to anyone. People have their opinions and so we learn to respect that the most important thing is the message behind the voice.
Promoters tend to call on male artists to perform at live shows and concerts. How do you feel about that? How do you hope your music will change that and allow more opportunity for female artists to perform at concerts?
I think a promoter is going to call an artist based on how they are in the streets; whether male or female. Female artists just need to stay true to what they are doing and the rest will work itself out.
Are you on tour now? Can we hope to see you perform in New York soon?
I will be on tour in the summer and I am looking forward to coming to New York very soon.
For questions or comments on this article send your email to editors@whereitzatmag.com
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