AbiYah Yisrael

After taking time out for spiritual reflection Abiyah is back recording, working closely with guitarist, writer and producer Hilroy Obadyah Alfred. She has cut a string of tracks at ChaYah studios in Castle Bruce Dominica. The latest, “Herb Tree” and “Cornona Virus (Plan-demic)”reflect her embrace of Hebrew Israelite teachings weaving powerful messages into rapturous reggae grooves.

“Herb Tree” is an uplifting ode to the healing powers of nature. In contrast, the latter looks at COVD-19 from a scriptural standpoint as prophesy fulfilled an end of times warning to stay out of Babylon.

Abiyah’s spiritual understanding deepened during several years spent in Barbados studying. Her ideas and lifestyle, as a Hebrew Israelite, are central to the lyrics written by Hilroy. He told us “our spiritual philosophy was changing and we arrived at a point where we understood that music is the medium to bring out those (spiritual) points of view to the wider audience but not just any music ...we needed something militant and conscious but palatable to a dynamic range of listeners”. “Herb Tree” which refers to the Tree of Life is a collaborative effort, a link between African and Dominican artists. Hilroy tells us “The tree of life is the healing of the nations and the waters that never dry is Yahshua , the living water. In addition the Herb Tree refers to all herb good for medicine, food and consciousness. The vocals and guitar work by Mekhel Lee were recorded at ChaYah studios over the one drop “I great Riddim” produced by Francis Kaumba of Ever Blazzing production from Kenya. The song appear is included on international compilation based on that rhythm along with Cathy Matete, Lavosti, Simba Orchestra, Ras Sherby, Shocking Murray, Milele, King Mas, Freeman, Ras Pyton and others. The panoramic accompanying video for the song, shot and edited by Aarmani Augustine, compliment the lyrics with wide frames of the lush landscape, the devastation of Hurricane Maria (September of 2017) barely visible. Filmed in part at The Farmacy a roadside vegetable stand constructed from found materials after Maria and selling locally gathered fruits and vegetables. The context is important.

Abiyah Yisrael’s voice has been compared to the water of her native Dominica, where the cold rivers rush down mountainsides cold and hot springs bubble from the earth. If Zion is nature in its pure form then Dominicans are surrounded by it. The artist as a social commentator is a strong tradition in Dominica passed from generation to generation of singers. AbiYah cites Nelly Stharre as an influence.  These values contribute to Abiyah’s music, listeners are encourages the listener to find Zion in their lives. “Corona Virus is a stern warning: “Babylon’s System is falling, No where to run, No where to hide. Isolation, better stay inside.” . All instruments were played by Hilroy, Dernel 'Dernz' Green mastered the track and waitukubuli artist Samara Rolle provided the artwork seen in the video.

ChaYah is the Hebrew word for life restored and its that spirit that guides the music the label releases. AbiYah now has a string of starkly vivid recordings made at the studio beginning in May, 2017 with Mama which features Hilroy’s guitar, “If We Could Love” (above) followed in 2018 by Kum ba Yah” and “Kalinago Nation”

Chayah studios has a riddim compilation ‘Near and Far Riddim’ in store. the work is being produced by Hilroy with Mekhel 'black on the drums' Lee and Jervon “Natty Bill” Henderson on Bass. It will feature local artists and several from Africa via the I Great riddum project.