This EP release offers six songs and two dubs, with Nagaï’s beautifully high, clear voice right out front on a series of solid roots compositions, with a fine band. The mix is on point, thanks to the skills of Spanish producer/engineer Roberto Sànchez. It also incorporates some very nice touches like the deep, delicate and historical sound of the West African kora on Forebearers, the African styled guitar work on Live In A Better Way and its dub.
Nagaï’s ancestors were slaves from Africa and Madagascar and indentured servants (only a tiny step above slavery) from India, and she herself is from Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean. She has sung maloya, a traditional music of resistance on Reunion and neighbouring islands, but she turned to reggae on hearing Bob Marley. Her intention with reggae is to uplift, educate and entertain, and she has a positive and deeply spiritual side to her music.
She sings mostly in English but also slips in some Reunion French creole occasionally, as on Self Reflection, and her vocals are extremely impressive – listen to the title track for a good example. The whole set is conscious reggae with some unique touches from Nagaï and the band; it deserves your attention!