ROOTS SINGER CHEZIDEK IS RIDING THE CHARTS WITH HIS LATEST SINGLE “BECAUSE I’M BLACK!”

As a native of St. Ann’s Bay in Jamaica, Chezidek has always been aware of the black conscious message of Marcus Garvey and Burning Spear, his hometown’s most famous sons. He never lost sight of their Afro-centric focus, which can be heard on Because I’m Black, his latest song.

Produced by his Cheziberry Records and released in December, the single is distributed by Tad’s International Record. It addresses prejudice against persons of color. Because I’m Black is generating heavy rotation on The Foundation Radio Network, and is climbing both FRN Top 30 Music Chart and the South Florida Top 25 Chart.

“It looking at di natural struggle we as black people going through, which is nothing new. Wi a Rasta, an’ wi haffi sing ‘bout these things but at di same time is a unity song fi di family,” he said.

Because I’m Black is the lead single from the roots singer’s new album, scheduled for release by Tad’s International Record this summer. It will be his first collection of songs since 2010’s Judgement Time.

According to Chezidek, the yet-titled set will also be his most militant.

“Most a di chune dem a bun fire ‘cause wi a protest!” he exclaimed.

Other songs on the album include Hello Africa, Let’s Unite and March which he produced.

Despite the 10-year break between albums, Chezidek maintains a steady following outside of Jamaica, particularly in Europe. Songs like Leave The Trees, Inna Love and Call Pon Dem have earned him a strong following on that continent where he has performed at major festivals like Reggae Geel in Belgium, Uppsala in Sweden and Reggae Sun Ska in France.

The 47 year-old artist kicked off his career during the mid-1990’s as Chilla Rinch, a deejay. Several of his early songs were recorded for producer Bobby Konders, but by the time he morphed into Chezidek in 2000, he moved to the Xterminator camp of producer Philip “Fatis” Burrell.

At the time, the Xterminator camp’s top acts were Luciano and Sizzla. Burrell produced Harvest Time and Rising Sun, Chezidek’s first two albums.