Rise Above is the title of Reggae Roots Singer Kava Jah’s EP which was released in March 2022. It contains six songs, all produced by Mike Johnson of Santa Cruz.
Kava Jah, who was born in Clarendon parish in central Jamaica, lives in Santa Cruz, California. He co-wrote the songs with Mike Johnson, Band Leader of the Remedy, who also played bass, guitar and keyboards on Rise Above.
The EP is hardcore roots-reggae, which has a following in northern California for over 40 years.
“We like to keep the roots foundation while mixing in some influences from other genres like jazz, Latin, soul, etc,” said Kava Jah.
Production on Rise Above started two years ago. During that period, Kava Jah and Mike Johnson worked in the studio with drummers DeLeon “Jubba” White (of Dubtonic Kru fame) and Kirk Bennett out of Jamaica, keyboardists Bowie McLaughlin out of Jamaica, Kevin Eichhorn, Cliff Manswell (CKM Infinity) and Jeff Lantis, and Saxophonist David Thompson.
Kava Jah is currently making connections across Africa including Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria, to name a few.
Recently, Kava Jah has been working with Ugandan DJ, Producer, and Artist at Herbzman Rrecords King Raffa. Raffa has orchestrated collaborations between Kava Jah and well known Ugandan artist Drecko Helpa aka Chikicha on Africa Awaits It's Creator, a beautiful tribute to Africa and All Africans home and Abroad.
Shortly after Africa Awaits release, King Raffa and Kava Jah released “Black History” a fiery track singing out loud about Black History and Empowering all People of Color to remember the Royal History of Africa and Africans. Both of these tracks were produced by Kris Khemist out of UK. Kava Jah continues to spotlight his African Heritage and bring social injustices to light through his lyrical talent. Look out for more works from Kava Jah and the Uganda massive coming out in the next few months.
