Ezekiah Rose revels in release of debut album

Fifteen years ago when Ezekiah Rose started his career, it was as a deejay.

That took place in his home town of Spanish Town, St Catherine, which has produced some of dancehall's foremost toasters, including Papa San and Lt Stitchie.

But after taking guitar lessons, he switched to singing. Most of the songs he has done reflect his Rastafarian faith. Some of them can be heard on Good Ova Evil, his first album, which was released in March.

"Wi put a lot a time an' heart into di thing. Wi get good guidance from people like Missa Bailey an' Earl 'Chinna' Smith, an' wi pleased with what come out," said Ezekiah Rose.

'Missa Bailey' is guitarist Junior Bailey, founding member of the Fabulous Five Band who played on Good Ova Evil, which has 14 songs. Smith, a veteran session player known for his work with Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff, also worked on the set.

Some of the songs on Good Ova Evil are Joyflow (with Luciano), Faith (with Nature Ellis) and Sure Time, a collaboration with Lutan Fyah.

Ezekiah Rose, whose sound is influenced by acts like Peter Tosh, Luciano and Tracy Chapman, expressed relief at finally releasing his first album.

"Is a great feeling; it's been years wondering when this day will come," he said.