Sizzla’s classic ‘Black Woman & Child’ new edition out November 8

Black Woman & Child, an album from one of the more influential reggae artistes of the modern era, Miguel Orlando Collins, known to the world as Sizzla Kalonji, is regarded by many as his finest work in a particularly prolific career spanning almost 30 years. No less than a music authority than Rolling Stone magazine described this album as a “masterpiece”.

Produced in 1997 by a graduate from King Jammy’s hit-making studio, Bobby ‘Digital B’ Dixon, this project was released at a turning point in reggae music, where digital sounds and ‘slackness’ had completely taken over. A fresh approach was needed, and Dixon led the charge alongside other producers, such as Phillip ‘Fatis’ Burrell, creating riddims which incorporated real instrumentation and modern sounds.

Sizzla was just 21 years old when he recorded Black Woman & Child, yet he showed such maturity and depth in his songwriting skills and lyrical prowess that this album kick-started a conscious dancehall revolution across Jamaica and, indeed, the world. Core messages of his Bobo Ashanti faith, the teachings of Prince Emmanuel Charles Edwards, Haile Selassie and Marcus Garvey; repatriation; pan-Africanism and Black nationalism are all explored.

During this era, Dixon continued the long-standing tradition of re-versioning riddims from Sir Coxsone Dodd’s Studio One imprint, the foundation of Jamaican music. More Guidance provides a fresh take on Wailing Soul’s Mr. Fire Coal Man, Make it Secure revives The Soul Vendor’s Drum Song, and One Away is a fitting lyric to arguably the best roots riddim of all time, The Abyssinians Satta Masa Gana. Soul Agent’s The Lecture rides again on Give Them a Ride, and Guide Over us utilises the soulful classic by The Eternals, Queen of the Minstrels, in fine style.

Black Woman & Child is now available once again on limited-edition green vinyl with the original Greensleeves sleeve design. Additional unreleased bonus tracks are also available on digital and streaming platforms.

Born in St Mary to devout Rastafarian parents, Sizzla was raised in August Town, where he studied mechanical engineering at Dunoon Technical High School. He began to develop his own style whilst serving his musical apprenticeship with the Caveman Hi-Fi sound system and has used his music as a vehicle for his message, kick-starting his recording career in 1995 with a release through the Zagalou label.

Homer Harris, the same man who mentored Buju Banton, introduced Sizzla to saxophonist Dean Fraser, the then musical director for Burrell’s Xterminator Family. The year 1995 marked an important turning point for Sizzla when he began working with Burrell. This union led to a run of successful singles and the release of Sizzla’s début album, Burning Up.

Sizzla Kalonji has released more than 45 solo albums and at least 15 combination albums. He, along with artistes such as Capleton, Norris Man, Turbulence, Buju Banton, and Anthony B, is credited with leading a movement towards a re-embracement of Rastafarian values in contemporary reggae music.

Last month, during an historic visit to Jamaica, Culture Ambassador of Ghana, King Nana Anim Obiri, declared Sizzla as the Rastafari chief of development for repatriation to Ghana. This prestigious role will see Sizzla championing efforts to encourage Rastafarians and Jamaicans to settle in Ghana, promoting cultural and economic growth.