Queen Makedah’s junior album, Peace Process, is a continuation of her work to bring peace, elevation and healing to the world through conscious reggae and worldbeat music in these troubled times. The album showcases the exceptional vocal and songwriting talents of Queen Makedah (whose influences include jazz, R&B, neo-soul, and gospel) and addresses a range of social justice issues such as gun violence, police brutality, genetically modified food, racial discrimination, plus roots, spirituality, and love.
The album features powerful collaborations with producers Zion I Kings hailing from St. Croix (Midnite, Pressure, Snoop Dogg, Lutan Fyah, Jahdan Blakkamoore, Sizzla, Anthony B) on the tracks ‘I am Shem,’ ‘Suspicious,’ ‘Heal the Earth’ and ‘Hoo Yahvo’ – graced by veteran reggae musicians like Dean Fraser, Lloyd ‘Junior’ Richards and Junior P.
More musical treats include the tune Holy Mount Zion (due out September 22nd) featuring a mesmerizing riddim produced by Jamaican born bassie-producer Christopher Meredith (Lauryn Hill, Sugar Minott, Burning Spear, Ziggy Marley, Amy Winehouse); ‘Clean Hands’ which sends us into deep meditation on the Hebrew-English lyrics of Psalms 24 atop an addictive dub-step style mystical riddim produced by Grammy nominated Pink Fader; and the ‘wickedly wonderful’ ‘big chune’ Lay Down Your Guns inna hip-hop reggae stylee (Anywaywell) that fired up the airways this summer – all with Makedah’s sublime vocals and passionate delivery make this album deliciously satisfying food for the soul.
Here’s what Reggae Vibes Magazine had to say:
“Peace Process contains 14 worthwhile tracks full of consciousness and sonically this album is topnotch, a real treat for the listener’s eardrums. Most of the offerings are underpinned by appealing original reggae backdrops, which are stamped with quality all over. They are complemented by Queen Makedah’s beautiful vocal delivery which shines on every song.”
The inspiration for the album came from Makedah’s experience as a mother and teacher living in the gang and gun violence plagued ghettos of the Bay Area of California. Makedah shares, “I hope the songs on this album inspire more peace across religious, racial, national, tribal, economic, and social boundaries.” The album is dedicated to the youth and all those impacted by gun violence.
