As a youth in Jamaica, Dona V listened to many of the songs produced by Lloyd “King Jammy” James. He was drawn to those hit singles which are now considered classics.

In January, the New York-based singer fulfilled a dream to record songs on some of those timeless ‘riddims’. Directed by James at his legendary studio in Waterhouse, Kingston, he cut a cache of songs, 10 of which can be heard on ‘When Last’, an album released in April by VPAL Music.

Working with James is a big deal for Dona V.

“Thirty years ago, yuh used to feel a vibes an’ want to make songs to dem (beats). Thirty years forward, yuh still find yuhself having dis thirst to sing on these riddims, an’ dance to dem,” he said.

Some of the songs on ‘When Last are ‘President Nebuchadnezzar’, done on the ‘Far East’ beat; ‘Mus haffi Get You’ (‘Storm’ rhythm); and ‘When Last You Give’, which is done to the ‘Peanie Peanie’ riddim. 

Some of those beats drove songs like ‘I Know The Score’ by Frankie Paul; ‘Here I Am’ by Sanchez; and ‘Lonesome Side of Blue’ by Cocoa Tea.

‘When Last’ is Dona V’s third album, following ‘A Cry For Tomorrow’ and ‘Any Means Necessary’. He stated the objectives for his latest project.

“My intention is to attract all the original reggae audiences, then and now, who are longing to dance to some classic, never-dying rhythms, along with words and stories to make the listeners think, dream and feel good,” said Dona V.

WRITTEN BY HOWARD CAMPBELL