Stephen Dajure – I'm Not A Criminal

Just in case you haven’t come across Stephen Dajure yet, he has become an up-and-coming talent, perfecting his craft while performing at shows around the parish of St Ann in Jamaica. As a recording artist, Stephen Dajure’s influences stretch far and wide, from Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Burning Spear, Buju Banton, Sizzla, Garnett Silk, Dennis Brown, Beres Hammond and Jah Cure, through to Michael Jackson, John Mayer and Usher, to name just a few.

That wide range of influences gives some indication of the talent behind this artist, and it is clear to hear on his latest release, I’m Not A Criminal. This is a smooth-flowing and original Roots Reggae album that I am sure will gain plenty of radio play around the world, especially here on Pauzeradio.com. The messages running throughout the collection feel particularly relevant to the world we live in today.

Starting the album with the slow introduction of Mama Africa, we are introduced to Stephen’s powerful and addictive vocals over a relaxing riddim that complements his vocal range. The song draws the listener in immediately, carrying a positive message about returning to the motherland, Africa.

Almighty Jah picks up the pace slightly with a classic driving Roots riddim. There is real power in this song, not just through the beat but through the lyrical content as well. It is extremely catchy; while your foot taps to the riddim, the lyrics stay in your mind and before long you will find yourself singing along.

One of my favourite tracks from the collection is the album’s title track, I’m Not A Criminal. Again moving over a solid Roots beat, Stephen’s vocals are clear and pronounced, helping the message stick not only in your mind but in your soul as well. This is bound to be one of the standout tunes from the album. Rewind and come again with this one!

With all the attention surrounding the inauguration of the President of the United States this week, Donald Trump, featuring Perfect Giddimani, feels even more relevant. The song delivers a hard-hitting message with plenty to say. Take a listen and learn. The riddim is highly musical with an almost cheeky edge to it, which I think suits the subject perfectly.

Moving on to One Love, I think this track is placed perfectly on the album. I especially like the way it follows Donald Trump. Again, we are given a strong message delivered with conviction and backed by beautiful harmonies. One love is the only way forward: listen, learn and put more love into your own life and the lives of those around you. Only halfway through the album and I already feel empowered and inspired.

Keeping with the sweet Roots theme, Something Right turns towards the love of a woman. Stephen Dajure’s silky-smooth vocals really stand out here, and the whole piece works beautifully, from the riddim and lyrical content to the performance itself. It is a refreshing take on a love song, sitting over a sweet Reggae beat with top-class production. This is the kind of song that can touch the soul and put a smile on your face from the inside out.

Up And Up steps the pace up a little more. The chorus and verses are catchy while staying firmly rooted in the album’s Roots sound. The vocal arrangement draws your attention towards Stephen’s message, continuing one of the strongest themes running throughout the album: positive upliftment, reassurance, inspiration and, most importantly, knowledge.

Next we have Farm Land, with flowing lyrics touching on a slightly different subject: the food we eat and the importance of growing our own. It carries a strong Rasta message and encourages us to think more seriously about where our food comes from. The amount of care, precision and thought that has gone into this album continues to impress. The beat slows slightly here, which gives the message more room to sink in.

Another addictive tune comes with Birds Go Toot. It is a reassuring track with a very catchy vocal performance, and the chorus stays in your head just as much as the message itself. Sitting over another sweet Reggae beat, this is a must-listen. I have to admit that when I first saw the title I was slightly dubious about what this one was going to sound like, but after hearing it I actually love the tune, just as I am loving the album as a whole.

Rastaman Dread kicks in with a powerful introduction before breaking and dropping into a faster riddim, giving the song real strength. Again keeping with the Roots direction of the album, the lyrics offer what feels like a personal perspective drawn from Stephen’s experiences with the Rastafarian faith and the way people can question another person’s beliefs. It is catchy but also strengthening, giving us another insight into Stephen and his positive journey forward.

Rounding off the album, Jah Live slows the pace slightly again and delivers a beautiful message over a highly musical Roots beat. Jah lives in my heart and in my soul. For me, this is another potential hit from the album. The smooth, catchy vocals carry meaning and purpose while speaking about faith and the strength Jah can bring to life. It is another top-quality production, finished with a nice Dub-style breakdown towards the end.

Summarising this album is actually quite easy because I really like it. One of the main things that stands out is the combination of tracks and the way they have been placed across the album. Add Stephen’s lyrical content, vocal ability and performance, and I have to rate the overall result very highly.

From a production point of view, I’m Not A Criminal sets the standard high. At a time when many people are cutting production costs, I do not feel that has happened here. The sound is crisp, clear and consistent from beginning to end.

This is an album you do not want to sleep on. I fully expect it to gain radio play around the world because, for me, this release represents what quality Roots Reggae is all about.

Stephen Dajure – I’m Not A Criminal album review by Gav Pauze