While on his first visit to Jamaica in November/December, Nigerian singer Jah Device promoted his EP, Ray of Light, and performed on two shows. But he was also impressed with an initiative by his friend, roots singer Natty King.
The Jamaican artist, best known for the 2003 hit song, No Guns To Town, is assisting a primary level school in eastern Kingston where his recording studio is located. Construction on additional classrooms are currently underway.
Jah Device, whose trip to Jamaica was funded by his home state, Plateau, would like to replicate that project in his homeland.
“We want to open up avenues for cultural exchange so we can open doors between Jos Plateau and Jamaica. If you see what Natty King is doing, he is helping to build a school, helping with infrastructure and buying new computers for the school,” he said. “My state government is interested in such a program; if it wasn’t for the schools and the education they got, artists wouldn’t be able to write the songs they sing.”
Ray of Light is produced by Stingray Records, a leading independent company based in London. It includes the song Ships of Tarshish, done with Natty King, whose WelloFest show Jah Device performed on November 30.
It is Jah Device’s second EP, following Device The EP, released in 2016.
Strongly influenced by Dennis Brown and his countrymen Fela Kuti and Majek Fashek, Jah Device has recorded for close to three decades in Nigeria. His recent work has been done for British producers including Peter Hunnigale, a leading lovers rock singer.
Plateau is located in central Nigeria. It is the west African country’s 12th largest state.
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