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Silver & Gold (Solid Discs, 1998)
I hadn't heard of Nigerian Jerri Jheto before listening to his bouncy "Kanayo" on the R.A.W. 2000 compilation. Based on that extremely likeable number, however, I tracked down Silver & Gold, and thank goodness I did. This is as good a showcase of quality African reggae as I have heard (not that I'm an expert, by any means), ranking up there with the likes of Alpha Blondy's Apartheid Is Nazism, Isaac Haile Selassie's Unite, and the exceptional Reggae Africa compilation. Jhetto's relatively simplistic lyrics and "happy" sound may make him seem lightweight in comparison to statements like Apartheid Is Nazism, but that doesn't diminish his impact. Every song on Silver & Gold is good and many -- "Kanayo," the title track, "HiLife Reggae," "Fast Lane," "Ndere-Ndere," and "Fire on the Mountain" are great. If you know "Kanayo," then you know the style of this album: upbeat, celebratory, prototypical full-band roots. Although Jheto's gravelly voice doesn't provide the best singing vocals, it is nonetheless effective (a bit similar to Alpha Blondy), aided immensely by vibrant female backing singers (an indication of the pervasive influence of Bob Marley, who, of course, had the I-Threes). As bright and colorful as the album cover would imply, Jheto's music has genuine international appeal. Silver & Gold is not just a great African reggae album, or even just a great reggae album. It's a great album, period.
Track Listing
1. HiLife Reggae
2. One Minute
3. Silver & Gold
4. Let's Work Together
5. Ndere-Ndere
6. Fast Lane
7. Fire on the Mountain
8. Kanayo
9. Ism Schism
10. Fire on the Mountain [Club Mix]